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Belfast City Airport BHD

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BHD Airport Insights & Guide

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Getting to Know BHD Airport

Discover Belfast City Airport (BHD), your entry to Northern Ireland's vibrant capital, located just a stone's throw from downtown. Ideal for all travelers, BHD stands out with its unique George Best dedication, honoring the legendary footballer. This guide simplifies your travel, offering everything from flight updates to dining options. Ready for a hassle-free experience? Dive into our Comprehensive Airport Guide for more insights. Let's make your journey memorable.

iFly Tip: Ensure a smooth airport experience by following our essential airport advice.

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.

Frequent Flier Tips

To help make your experience at George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from BHD-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:

Navigating the Terminals

"George Best Belfast City Airport is compact and easy to navigate. The terminal is a single building, so you won’t get lost. Look for the clear signage to quickly find your way to check-in, security, and your gate." — James M., Holywood, Northern Ireland, August 2023

"If you have a bit of time before your flight, head to the upper level for a quieter spot to relax. The views of the runway are fantastic, and it’s a great place to unwind." — Fiona K., Bangor, Northern Ireland, July 2023

Getting To/From the City

"Taking the train from Sydenham station is a convenient option. It’s just a short walk from the airport, and you’ll be in Belfast city center in about 10 minutes." — Liam O., Belfast, Northern Ireland, September 2023

"The Airport Express 600 bus is another great choice. It runs frequently and takes around 15 minutes to get to the city center. Plus, it’s affordable." — Emma R., Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland, October 2023

Parking

"If you’re driving to the airport, book your parking in advance online. It’s cheaper and guarantees you a spot, especially during busy travel times." — Niall P., Lisburn, Northern Ireland, November 2023

"For short trips, the short-stay car park is right next to the terminal. It’s super convenient, but it can fill up quickly, so early booking is a must." — Claire S., Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland, December 2023

Inside the Airport

"The airport has a good selection of food and shopping options. For a quick bite, the cafés offer a variety of sandwiches and pastries. If you have more time, the restaurants provide a more relaxed dining experience." — Patrick D., Belfast, Northern Ireland, January 2024

"Don’t miss the duty-free shop. It’s well-stocked with local products, perfect for picking up last-minute gifts or souvenirs." — Siobhan L., Dundonald, Northern Ireland, February 2024

Avoiding Delays and Stress

"Arrive early, especially during peak hours. Security lines can get long, so give yourself plenty of time to get through and to your gate." — Aidan W., Belfast, Northern Ireland, March 2024

"Check the airport’s website for real-time updates on wait times and flight statuses. It’s a great way to stay informed and reduce stress." — Orla B., Comber, Northern Ireland, April 2024

iFly Tip: Understand the technical aspects of your flight with our takeoff to landing explanation.

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.

Transportation Options

The airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers:

  • Car Rentals: Major car rental providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz are located on-site at the airport. This allows visitors to easily rent a car and explore the city and surrounding areas at their own pace. It is advisable to book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel times.
  • Taxis: Taxi services are readily 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. Booking a taxi ahead of time during off-peak hours can help avoid delays.
  • Ride-Share Services: Shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available with pickup areas located outside the terminal building. These services offer a more affordable transportation option, but it's important to note that there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and amount of luggage allowed.
  • Airport Shuttles: Several companies offer door-to-door shuttle services to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on the destination and number of passengers. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot, especially during busy periods.
  • Public Transportation: 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. Tickets can be purchased directly from the bus driver or online.

iFly Tip: Learn how TSA PreCheck can help you skip the long lines and security hassles.

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.

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.

Passenger Services

  • Free Wi-Fi: Belfast City Airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the "Belfast Airport" network and follow the instructions to access the internet.
  • Lost and Found: If you misplace an item during your journey, 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.
  • Children's Play Area: To keep young travelers entertained, Belfast City Airport features a dedicated children's play area located in the departures lounge. It offers a range of toys and games to keep your little ones entertained before your flight.
  • Special-Needs Services: The airport offers a range of services to assist passengers with special needs. You can contact the airport in advance to arrange assistance with mobility, visual or hearing impairments, or any other special needs you may have.
  • ATM: An ATM is available in the main terminal building, providing access to banking services while you’re at the airport.
  • First Aid Station: In case of a medical emergency, a first aid station is 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.
  • Airport Lounges: Belfast City Airport features the Aspire Lounge, located after security in the departures area. The lounge offers amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, beverages, snacks, and comfortable seating. It also provides a quiet space with workstations and newspapers/magazines for passengers looking to relax or work before their flight.

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

  • Location: Belfast City Airport (BHD) is located in Northern Ireland, just 3 miles from the city center.
  • Terminals: The airport features one terminal handling both domestic and international flights.
  • Airlines Served: Major airlines include Aer Lingus, British Airways, and KLM. For a full list of airlines, visit the BHD Airlines Served page.
  • Passenger Traffic: Belfast City Airport handles approximately 2.5 million passengers annually, averaging around 6,800 passengers per day.
  • Daily Flights: The airport operates around 70 daily flights.
  • Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from BHD are London Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
  • Hub Status: Belfast City Airport serves as a hub for Flybe, 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 Information

For more information about Belfast City Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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Belfast City Airport Q&A

The airport has one terminal with a total of 16 gates.
Airlines such as Aer Lingus, British Airways, KLM, and Ryanair operate out of the airport.
Yes, there is a designated drop-off zone directly outside the terminal building and a cell-phone waiting area for picking up passengers.
The airport offers both short-term and long-term parking, as well as a cell phone waiting area and off-airport parking with shuttle service.
Ground transportation options include car rentals, taxis, ride-share services, airport shuttles, and public transportation.
Yes, there are several hotel options near the airport, ranging from luxury suites to quaint garden properties.
Dining options include Costa Coffee, The Lagan Bar & Kitchen, and Aunt Sandra's Candy Factory.
Yes, the airport provides complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal.
You can check flight status using in-airport flight displays, airline mobile apps, text/email notifications, or by visiting the airport's departures page on ifly.com.
The airport offers special-needs services, including assistance with mobility, visual or hearing impairments, and other accommodations upon request.

Find more help here for your journey through the airport