Key Highlights
- Belfast City Airport (BHD) is one of the main air transport hubs in Belfast and Northern Ireland. It is just three miles from the city centre.
- The airport gives people many direct flights to big UK cities such as London Heathrow, Manchester, and Glasgow.
- Belfast City Airport is home to top airlines like Aer Lingus, British Airways, and easyJet.
- From here, you can get to a lot of places in Scotland and the Isle of Man.
- The airport has modern look now but keeps its easy and helpful services.
- There are very good bus and train connections that make it simple to get to the airport.
Introduction
Welcome to your must-have guide for Belfast City Airport (BHD)! It does not matter if your trip is for work or for fun, this guide helps you get set for a good trip. The airport sits very close to the middle of Belfast. This makes it easy for you to get in and out of the city. Belfast City is a main travel spot in Northern Ireland. It helps you get to the UK, Ireland, and other places too. BHD gives people a warm welcome and quick service, so you can get to many places with no fuss. Let’s look at why this airport is a top pick for so many people.
Overview of Belfast City Airport
George Best Belfast City Airport is a key part of air transport in Northern Ireland. The airport is by the coast and not far from the centre of Belfast city. Because of this good spot, many people, including both business and holiday travellers, like to use it. It also sits next to Spirit AeroSystems, where they make aircraft, which shows how strong its links are to the area’s aviation past.
The airport started offering flights in 1983. Since then, it has kept growing. By 2024, more than 2.3 million people passed through the airport in one year. The place is small but easy to use, so your trip through Belfast is simple and quick. Now, let’s see where it is exactly and what new changes have happened there.
Location, Access, and Difference from Belfast International
Belfast City Airport (BHD) sits just three miles from Belfast city centre, right next to Belfast Harbour. The airport is very close to the city, so you can get to your flight quickly and easily. If you stay in Belfast, it only takes minutes to reach the terminal.
So, what sets Belfast City Airport apart from Belfast International Airport? The main difference is their location. Belfast City Airport is near the city centre, while Belfast International Airport (BFS) is about 13 miles to the northwest, close to Aldergrove. Because of this, BHD is often the first choice for people travelling in and out of Belfast city.
The airport you pick will depend on where you plan to go in Northern Ireland, and which airlines cover your route. BHD mostly has short flights within the UK, so journeys are fast and simple.
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Recent Developments and Updates at the Airport
Belfast City Airport keeps changing to suit what modern travellers want. In July 2024, the airport started a new advertising campaign and launched a new website. The branding now shows the name ‘Belfast City Airport’, hoping to give it a new and fresh look.
What does this mean for the airport’s official name? The marketing now leaves out ‘George Best’. But the airport says its official registered name is still George Best Belfast City Airport. The sign above the terminal entrance stays the same, so the Belfast-born football legend is still remembered.
This update comes after big changes at the airport, like new routes and shifts in airline operations. Emerald Airlines, which runs as Aer Lingus Regional, set up base at the airport in March 2022. This gives better links to many UK places. Also, they took over routes when Stobart Air stopped flights in June 2021.
Airlines and Destinations from Belfast City Airport
Planning your next trip from Belfast City Airport? You will find a great mix of airlines and places to fly. The airport gives you direct flights across the UK, making sure Northern Ireland stays linked with main cities in England, Scotland, and Wales. Whether you want a city break or need to go to a meeting, you can get a flight that suits you.
Popular airlines make many routes, so you can visit lively cities or the beautiful Scottish Highlands and the Isle of Man. The strong network at the airport helps people travel inside the UK and Ireland with ease. Now, let’s see the airlines and routes you can use for your journey.
Major Airlines Operating and Popular Routes
Several major airlines operate from Belfast City Airport, offering a wide range of routes across the UK and into Europe. Aer Lingus, British Airways, and easyJet are the largest operators, providing extensive networks. Loganair also plays a key role, particularly in connecting Northern Ireland to Scotland.
What airlines operate from Belfast City Airport? The primary carriers include Aer Lingus (operated by Emerald Airlines), British Airways, easyJet, and KLM. These airlines connect Belfast to bustling hubs and regional destinations. Previously, Flybe had a large base here before it ceased operations, with other airlines stepping in to cover key routes.
Here is a quick overview of the main airlines and some of their key destinations:
| Airline | Key Destinations |
|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | Birmingham, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester, Southampton |
| British Airways | London City, London Heathrow |
| easyJet | Bristol, Liverpool, London Gatwick, Manchester |
| KLM | Amsterdam |
| Loganair | Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee |
Direct Flights to London and Other UK Cities
Yes, there are great direct flights to London from Belfast City Airport. British Airways has regular flights to both London Heathrow and London City. This gives good access to the UK capital. The London Heathrow route is one of the busiest at the airport. It also connects you easily to other international flights. The London City route suits business travellers who want fast access to the financial area.
You can also get direct flights from Belfast to other big UK cities. These flights are good for weekend breaks, seeing family, or going to events anywhere in the country. The frequent flights and many options make planning your trip easy.
Some of the top direct flight destinations from Belfast City Airport in the UK are:
- Manchester
- Birmingham
- Edinburgh
- Glasgow
- Liverpool
- Bristol
Airlines like Aer Lingus and easyJet run these services. This keeps Belfast well connected to the rest of the UK.
Getting To and From Belfast City Airport
Getting to Belfast City Airport is very easy. The airport is close to the centre of Belfast and has strong transport links. You can reach the terminal fast and without trouble. It does not matter if you want to use public transport or drive, you will have many ways to get there.
You can take a good bus, use the nearby train station, or go by taxi, which is quick. If you like to drive, the airport is simple to reach from the A2 Sydenham by-pass road. Now, we will look at the different ways you can travel, so you can plan your trip to Belfast City.
Transport Options: Bus, Train, Taxi, and Car Hire
Getting to Belfast City Airport from the centre of Belfast is easy because there are many good ways to travel. The Translink Metro route 600, also called the Belfast City Airlink, goes straight from the airport terminal to Belfast Grand Central station. This bus runs every 30 minutes, so you can depend on it.
If you travel by train, Sydenham railway station is right beside the airport. You can ask for a free bus from the station that will bring you straight to the terminal. The trains link to main stations in Belfast, like Lanyon Place and Grand Central. This makes the train a good choice if you are coming to the city from other places. You will always find taxis at the airport. These will take you to your destination fast and get you there directly.
Here are your main ways to travel:
- Bus: The Airport Express 600 service goes between the airport and the Belfast city centre.
- Train: Sydenham station is close, and there is a shuttle bus to the airport terminal.
- Taxi: Taxis are fast and will take you straight to where you need to be.
- Car Hire: You will find many car hire companies at the airport for easy travel beyond the city.
- Car: The airport is on the A2. This makes it simple to drive there.
You can choose the way that suits you best when you need to get to Belfast City Airport.
Parking Facilities and Accessibility for Travellers
There is plenty of parking at Belfast City Airport for all kinds of travellers. If you are going on a short trip or a longer break, you will find the right place to park your car. The car parks are close to the terminal, so it is easy to get to check-in.
The airport has a number of parking choices like short-stay and long-stay car parks. It is a good idea to book your parking spot online to get the best price and make sure there is space. This is very helpful during busy times and it makes your trip get off to a good start.
Belfast City Airport puts accessibility first. There are parking spots for blue badge holders in the short-stay car park. This car park is nearest to the terminal building. The airport works hard to help all passengers, and there are help services for anyone who needs them.
Facilities and Frequently Asked Questions
Belfast City Airport is made to help every passenger have a good and easy time. The airport has one main terminal. It is simple to get around in it. You will see many modern things and services here to make your wait better before you fly. There are places to eat, drink, shop, and relax in lounges. You will find all the things you need at Belfast City Airport.
If you need to do some work, eat something, or buy any travel items at the last minute, this airport will help you. In the next few parts, we will answer some common questions. We will also tell you more about what you can get inside the terminal at Belfast City Airport.
Facilities and Amenities Inside the Terminal
Belfast City Airport offers many things to make your time there better. The terminal has all you need for a nice wait. You can sit back in the Aspire Lounge. They have free snacks, drinks, and a calm space away from the busy area. It is a good choice for people who travel for work or for fun.
If you want to shop, go to World Duty Free. You will find lots of things to buy like perfumes, beauty products, and drinks. There are also different places to eat and drink. You can have a coffee, a bite to eat, or a bigger meal before your flight. The airport also gives free Wi-Fi in all parts of the terminal, so you can stay in touch.
Here’s a summary of the key facilities you can enjoy:
- A selection of cafes, bars, and restaurants
- Duty-free and retail shops
- An executive lounge for relaxation
- Free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal
- Currency exchange services
Belfast City Airport does its best to help you have a good travel day in belfast.
Where to Find Live Flight Information and Stay Updated
Keeping up to date with your flight is important if you want a stress-free trip. So, where can you find live flight details for Belfast City Airport? The best spot is the official Belfast City Airport website. There, you will find a special section for real-time flight details. This section gets updated often.
You can also see the status of your flight straight from your airline. Just go to their website or use their app. Inside the Belfast City terminal, there are big screens. These show the latest details on flight times, gate numbers, and if there are any delays or cancellations.
Want to get quick news from Belfast City Airport on social media? Of course. The airport is on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. If you follow their pages, you will get instant news, advice, and updates about Belfast right on your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Belfast City Airport
Do you have more questions about going through Belfast City Airport? This guide is here to give you the main information you need when you travel. You will find details about flights, what is inside the airport, transport, and parking. We hope these answers are clear. If you have something special to ask, please visit the official airport website or call your airline.
Belfast city is a great place to come and go from. We want your trip in and out of Belfast to be easy.
Conclusion
When you plan your trip through Belfast City Airport, there are many things to help make your time there smooth. The spot is good, and it’s easy to get to. There are many airlines, and you can fly to a lot of places, both in the UK and to other countries. This makes it a handy place for people travelling inside the UK or going further.
If you want to visit London or other UK cities, Belfast City is a great starting point. It’s good to know what’s new at the airport and what the place has for you, so your journey goes well. Always check your flight times and updates, so you are ready to leave without stress. Have a safe journey, and take time to enjoy being at Belfast City Airport. If you need more help or tips, just ask.