Belfast City Airport (BHD) Guide
Welcome to Belfast Airport, the gateway to Northern Ireland's capital city. With its convenient location just a few miles from the city center, BHD is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. Whether you're flying in for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to make your journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you're flying in or out of BHD Airport, this comprehensive guide is here to help. From flight status and tracking to terminal maps and food directories, we've got you covered. Our aim is to provide you with all the information you need to get from your door to your gate with ease, so you can focus on enjoying your journey. For more detailed information about other airports, you may want to check out the Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly's website. So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through the airport.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended that passengers arrive at Belfast City Airport at least 2 hours before their scheduled flight time. This will allow enough time for check-in, security screening, and any unexpected delays. The busiest times at the airport are during the morning and evening rush hours, so it is best to avoid these times if possible to ensure a smoother experience.
Getting to the Airport
Belfast Airport is conveniently located just 3 miles from the city center. The best way to get to the airport is by taxi, which can be easily hailed from anywhere in the city. Alternatively, there is a regular bus service that runs from the city center to the airport, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. For those driving, there is ample parking available at the airport, with both short-term and long-term options.
Getting Oriented
To get oriented at BHD, passengers can use the interactive airport maps available on iFly.com. These maps provide detailed information on the airport layout, including the location of check-in desks, security screening areas, and departure gates. Passengers can also use the maps to locate amenities such as restaurants, shops, and restrooms. The maps are easy to use and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at BHD Airport, passengers should ensure that they have all necessary travel documents, such as passports and visas, before arriving at the airport. It is also important to follow all security procedures, including removing liquids and electronics from carry-on bags, to avoid delays at the security checkpoint. Passengers should also keep an eye on the flight information displays throughout the airport to stay informed of any flight delays or cancellations.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Belfast City Airport (BHD) Terminals
Navigating BHD's Terminals
The airport has one terminal with a total of 16 gates. The terminal is divided into two levels: arrivals and departures. The departures level is where you will find the check-in desks, security checkpoints, and the departure gates. The arrivals level is where you will find baggage claim and the airport exit.
There are several airlines that operate out of Belfast City Airport, including Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM, and Ryanair. These airlines use the main terminal building for their operations.
When navigating the terminal, it is important to pay attention to the flight information displays located throughout the building. These displays will provide you with up-to-date information on flight departures, gate numbers, and any delays or cancellations.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
Belfast Airport is a small airport with only one terminal, so there is no need to worry about getting between terminals. Once you arrive at the airport, you can easily navigate through the terminal to find the check-in desks, security, and departure gates. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to keep you occupied before your flight.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
BHD offers a range of dining and shopping options for travelers. If you're looking for a quick bite to eat, grab a sandwich or pastry at the Costa Coffee located in the main concourse. For a sit-down meal, head to The Lagan Bar & Kitchen, which offers traditional Irish cuisine and a selection of beers and spirits. If you're in the mood for something sweet, try the handmade chocolates at Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory, located in the departures lounge.
When it comes to shopping, there are plenty of options to choose from. For duty-free shopping, visit World Duty Free in the departures lounge, where you can find a variety of cosmetics, fragrances, and alcohol. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, check out the Irish Linen Centre & Museum shop, which offers a range of products made from traditional Irish linen. For last-minute travel essentials, there's a WHSmith located in the main concourse.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at BHD Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, click here to navigate the options.
Airport Hotels
Looking for the perfect place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered! Our comprehensive guide provides a variety of hotel options to suit every traveler's needs. From luxury suites with breathtaking city views to quaint garden properties, we have something for everyone. Explore our the airport Hotels for a comfortable and convenient stay. Don't miss out on our top picks for accommodation, all located within easy reach of the airport and the city's must-see attractions.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
At Belfast City Airport, picking up and dropping off passengers is a breeze. The airport has a designated drop-off zone located directly outside the terminal building, making it easy for passengers to access the terminal with their luggage. However, it's important to note that curbside parking is not allowed in this area, and vehicles must not be left unattended. If you need to park your vehicle, there are several car parks available at the airport, with both short-term and long-term options.
If you're picking up passengers, the airport has a convenient cell-phone waiting area where you can wait for your passengers to arrive. This area is located just a short distance from the terminal building and provides a free waiting area for up to 30 minutes. This allows you to avoid circling the airport and wasting fuel while waiting for your passengers to arrive. Once your passengers have arrived, you can easily pick them up from the designated pick-up zone outside the terminal building.
Parking Facilities & Options
When it comes to parking at Belfast Airport, there are several options available to travelers. The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking in their on-site car parks, with a variety of options to suit different needs and budgets.
For those who are picking up or dropping off passengers, there is a convenient cell phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal building. This area allows drivers to wait for their passengers to arrive without having to circle the airport or pay for parking.
Handicapped parking is available in all of the on-site car parks, with designated spaces located close to the terminal building for easy access. If you require special assistance, the airport recommends contacting them in advance to arrange for any necessary accommodations.
If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is available near BHD. These lots offer shuttle service to and from the airport, and can often be a more affordable option for longer trips.
Get details about BHD Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. One of the most popular options is car rental, with several major providers located on-site including Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz. Visitors can easily rent a car and explore the city and surrounding areas at their own pace.
Taxi services are also available at the airport, with a designated drop-off area located outside the terminal building. Fares are metered and vary depending on the destination, but visitors can expect to pay around £10-£15 for a ride into the city center.
For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available with pickup areas located outside the terminal building. However, it is important to note that these services may have restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.
Airport shuttles are another convenient option for travelers, with several companies offering door-to-door service to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building and fares vary depending on the destination and number of passengers.
Finally, public transportation options are available for those on a budget. The airport is served by several bus routes, including the Airport Express 600 which runs every 30 minutes and provides direct service to the city center. Fares are affordable, with a single journey costing around £2.50.
Passenger Services
Belfast City Airport is a small airport located in Northern Ireland, serving mostly domestic and European flights. Despite its size, the airport offers a range of passenger services to make your travel experience more comfortable.
For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Simply connect to the "Belfast Airport" network and follow the instructions to access the internet.
If you have lost an item at the airport, the Lost Property Office is located in the main terminal building. You can contact them by phone or email to report your lost item and arrange for collection.
Traveling with children? The airport has a dedicated children's play area located in the departures lounge. It features a range of toys and games to keep your little ones entertained before your flight.
If you require special assistance, the airport offers a range of services to help. You can contact the airport in advance to arrange for assistance with mobility, visual or hearing impairments, or any other special needs you may have.
There is a bank located in the main terminal building, offering a range of services including currency exchange and ATM machines. Additionally, there is a Travelex currency exchange booth located in the departures lounge.
In case of a medical emergency, there is a first aid station located in the main terminal building. If you require more serious medical attention, the airport can arrange for an ambulance to take you to a nearby hospital.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it is important to stay informed about the status of your flight. At BHD, there are several ways to get flight status updates.
One of the easiest ways to check flight status is by using the in-airport flight displays (FIDS). These displays are located throughout the airport and provide real-time information about flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Most airlines have their own mobile apps that allow passengers to track their flight status and receive push notifications about any changes.
In addition to mobile apps, passengers can also receive flight status updates through text, email, and push notifications. To sign up for these alerts, simply visit your airline's website and enter your flight information.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at BHD Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
The airport, located in Northern Ireland, is a popular airport for travelers visiting the area. The airport has one terminal, which handles both domestic and international flights. It is conveniently located just 3 miles from the city center, making it easily accessible for travelers.
The airport serves a variety of airlines, with the top airlines offering the most daily flights being Flybe, Aer Lingus, and British Airways. On average, the airport handles around 2.5 million passengers per year, with an average of 6,800 passengers per day. There are around 70 daily flights departing from Belfast City Airport, with around 20 destinations served.
The top 5 destinations served by Belfast Airport are London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. These destinations are popular for both business and leisure travelers, with many flights departing each day.
BHD also serves as a hub for Flybe, which offers many domestic and international flights from the airport. Other airlines that use BHD Airport as a hub include Aer Lingus and British Airways.
Airport History
The airport, also known as George Best Belfast City Airport, is an airport located in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It was named after the famous footballer George Best who was born in Belfast. The airport was opened in 1937 and has since undergone several changes and upgrades to become the modern airport it is today.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1937 - Belfast Airport is opened as a civilian airport.
- 1941-1945 - During World War II, the airport was used by the Royal Air Force as a training base for pilots.
- 1983 - The airport was renamed BHD in honor of the city's 1981 Lord Mayor, Sir George Clark, who had died earlier that year.
- 1994 - A new terminal building was opened, which increased the airport's capacity to handle more passengers.
- 2006 - The airport was renamed George Best BHD Airport in honor of the famous footballer who was born in Belfast.
- 2015 - A major redevelopment project was completed, which included a new security area, departure lounge, and retail and food outlets.
- 2020 - Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport experienced a significant decrease in passenger numbers, leading to the suspension of several routes and a reduction in staff.
The airport has played an important role in the aviation history of Northern Ireland and continues to provide a vital link between Belfast and other destinations in the UK and Europe.
Airport Contact Info
- Belfast City Airport Website
- Phone: +44 28 9093 9093
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Belfast Airport, Belfast BT3 9JH, United Kingdom