George Best Belfast City Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
George Best Belfast City Airport is not just an air gateway to the capital of Northern Ireland, but practically a part of the city itself. Named in 2006 in honor of the legendary footballer George Best, a native of Belfast, this airport is distinguished by its uniquely close location to the city centre. Its single runway has been accepting flights since 1983, offering travelers picturesque views of Belfast Lough and the famous shipyards. It is the ideal choice for those who value time and wish to be in the thick of the action immediately upon arrival.
The main advantage of the airport is its compactness and efficiency. Unlike major aviation hubs in the United Kingdom, check-in and security checks here take significantly less time. Passengers note the modern design and friendly atmosphere of the terminal. The incredible proximity to the city is another weighty advantage: the centre can be reached in just 10-15 minutes via the Airport Express 600 bus or by taxi. Additionally, the Sydenham railway station is located nearby, making the airport a convenient starting point for journeys throughout Northern Ireland.
Contact Information
For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Belfast City Airport. If you have any questions, we recommend visiting the official airport website first, where the most up-to-date information is usually posted.
Airport Address: George Best Belfast City Airport, Airport Road, Belfast, BT3 9JH, Northern Ireland
Passenger Support: For questions related to special assistance, you can use the email: care@belfastcityairport.com
Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook (BelfastCityAirport), X (formerly Twitter) (@BelfastCity_Air), and Instagram (@belfastcityairport).
Lost Property Information: The Luggage-Point service handles items lost within the terminal. You can contact them via the form on the airport website or by phone at 0330 223 0893. For luggage lost by an airline, you should contact your carrier directly.
Getting to the Airport
Getting to George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) from the centre of Belfast or vice versa is a simple and quick task, as it is located just 5 kilometres from the heart of the city. Thanks to such a fortunate location, travelers have access to several convenient and fast modes of transport suitable for any budget and travel style.
The most popular and economical option is public transport. The dedicated Airport Express 600 bus by Translink runs every 30-40 minutes between the airport and the main Europa Buscentre in the city centre. The journey takes only about 10–15 minutes, making this method very convenient. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. Another excellent alternative is the train. Sydenham railway station is a few minutes' walk from the terminal, and a free shuttle also runs between the station and the airport. From here, trains regularly depart for Belfast's central stations, connecting the airport with the entire railway network of Northern Ireland.
For those who value comfort and speed, a taxi is the ideal solution. The taxi rank is located directly outside the terminal exit. A trip to the city centre will take about 10 minutes depending on traffic conditions and will cost approximately £10–£15. Car booking services via apps and private transfers, which can be booked in advance, are also available. If you plan to travel around the picturesque surroundings or further across the United Kingdom, several major car rental companies operate at the airport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to get the best rates.
If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented car, several parking lots are at your service. There are options for both short-term and long-term parking located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. Often, pre-booking a parking space online allows for significant savings. In general, for solo travelers, the bus is the most advantageous choice, while a taxi offers maximum convenience, especially if you have a lot of luggage.
Terminals and Map
George Best Airport in Belfast (BHD) is distinguished by its compactness and efficiency, making it very convenient for passengers. All airport operations are concentrated in one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic flights within the United Kingdom and some short international routes. The absence of multiple terminals significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to look for transfers or shuttles.
The structure of the terminal is intuitive. The check-in and baggage drop-off area is located immediately at the main entrance. Airline counters and self-service kiosks are situated in a spacious hall. Immediately after check-in, passengers proceed to the security screening area, which leads directly to the departure lounge. The arrivals area is on the ground floor and has a separate exit, allowing for the effective separation of passenger flows.
Since there is only one terminal, all amenities are gathered in one place. After passing security control, you enter a bright and modern waiting hall. Shops, including Duty-Free, cafes, restaurants, and snack bars are located here. All boarding gates are within walking distance, and you can reach any of them from the centre of the departure hall in a few minutes. Navigation is extremely simple thanks to clear signage in English.
One of the main advantages of Belfast City Airport is the speed of completing all formalities. In normal times, the process from entering the terminal to the departure lounge, including check-in and screening, rarely takes more than 20-30 minutes. During peak hours, slight delays are possible, but even then, the wait is minimal compared to large international airports. Passengers are recommended to arrive 90 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 2 hours for international ones.
The main advice for navigation is simply to follow the signs; it is practically impossible to get lost here. Thanks to its compact size and logical layout, the airport is ideal for those who value their time and prefer to travel without unnecessary stress. All necessary flight information is displayed on numerous screens in the check-in hall and departure zone.
Airport History
The history of the airport, located in close proximity to the heart of Belfast, began long before it received its modern name. It was officially opened in 1937 as "Sydenham Airport" and was originally intended for civil aviation. However, history soon made its adjustments: with the outbreak of World War II, the airport was requisitioned by the Royal Navy and became an airbase named HMS Gadwall. During the war years, it played an important role in the defense of the United Kingdom, and after the war ended, it returned to its primary task — serving passenger flights.
In the post-war decades, the airport became the city's main air harbour. The factory of the famous aircraft manufacturing company Short Brothers was also located here. Nevertheless, due to the short runway and restrictions associated with proximity to residential areas, in the 1960s the majority of commercial flights were transferred to the larger Belfast International Airport. This led to a temporary decline in activity at Sydenham, which began to serve mainly private and corporate aircraft.
The revival of the airport began in 1983, when a new runway was built and a modern terminal was opened. This event marked a new era focused on short domestic flights, primarily to London and other major UK cities. This strategy proved extremely successful, and the airport began to confidently increase passenger traffic, becoming a popular choice for business travelers and tourists thanks to its convenient location.
One of the most significant events in the airport's recent history occurred in 2006. In tribute to the legendary footballer George Best, who was born and raised in East Belfast, not far from the airport, a decision was made to rename it. Since then, it has proudly borne the name George Best Belfast City Airport. This step was warmly received by residents and immortalized the memory of the national hero. Today, the airport continues to develop, constantly modernizing infrastructure to offer passengers a high level of comfort and service, remaining an important transport hub for Northern Ireland.
Services and Amenities
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is a compact and modern airport offering all necessary services for a comfortable wait for your flight. Passengers can easily find everything they need to pass the time before departure, whether it be a snack, shopping, or work.
Several restaurants, cafes, and snack bars operate within the terminal, where you can quickly have a coffee with a sandwich or enjoy a full lunch. After passing security control, passengers have access to a Duty-Free shop with a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and souvenirs. There are also shops offering books, fresh press, and travel essentials.
For those who appreciate enhanced comfort, the Aspire Lounge is open. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary beverages and snacks, and use the work zones. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging stations for electronic devices are provided in the waiting areas and the business lounge.
Financial services are represented by ATMs located in different parts of the terminal and currency exchange points where you can exchange money before your trip. In case of necessity, passengers can seek first aid from airport staff who have undergone appropriate training.
The airport cares for travelers with special needs. Mother and child rooms with changing tables are equipped for passengers with children. A barrier-free environment has been created for people with reduced mobility, and special assistance is provided upon prior request through the airline. Several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, offering convenient accommodation for transit passengers or those with an early departure.
Dining
At George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), passengers will find several cozy places to have a snack before departure or a full meal. Although the airport is compact, the choice of dining establishments allows for satisfying different tastes and needs, from a quick coffee with a sandwich to a leisurely dinner with a refreshing drink.
The majority of cafes and restaurants are concentrated in the departure zone, immediately after passing security control (airside). This is very convenient, as you can relax without worrying about time for screening. The main establishment here is The Artisan restaurant, offering a full menu. The popular coffee shop Starbucks is also located in this zone. In the public zone (landside), before security control, the Espresso Bar cafe operates, where you can meet or see off loved ones.
For those who want a substantial meal, The Artisan restaurant is the best choice. Its menu features both international cuisine and local specialties. It is an excellent place to try a traditional Ulster Fry or other hot dishes. The restaurant's bar offers a good selection of beverages. For a quicker snack, Starbucks and Espresso Bar are ideal, offering fresh coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads, and various pastries.
Most establishments at Belfast City Airport accommodate passengers with special dietary needs. Generally, vegetarian and gluten-free options can be found on the menu. It is recommended to check directly with the cafe or restaurant staff regarding the availability of vegan or Halal dishes. The price range can be described as moderately high, which is standard for most airports.
The operating hours of dining establishments are fully adapted to the flight schedule. They open early in the morning for passengers of the first flights and work until the departure of the last aircraft in the evening. Thus, if you need a quick and light snack, head to Starbucks or Espresso Bar. If you have time for a quiet lunch or dinner in a pleasant atmosphere, then The Artisan restaurant will be an excellent choice.
Travel Tips
Planning a trip through George Best Airport in Belfast will be easier if you take into account a few useful tips. This compact and modern airport is very convenient for travelers, but proper preparation will help make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Arrival Time at the Airport: Thanks to the location of Belfast City Airport near the city centre, getting to it is not difficult. For domestic flights (within the United Kingdom), it is recommended to arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. If your flight is international, it is better to arrive 2-3 hours in advance. Despite the compactness of the terminal, during peak hours, especially early in the morning and on weekends, queues for check-in and security control can be longer than usual.
George Best Belfast City Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Check-in and Security: To save time, always use online check-in if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to go straight to baggage drop-off or, if traveling light, directly to security. Be prepared to remove laptops, tablets, and your bag of liquids (each container up to 100 ml) from your hand luggage in advance.
Seat Selection: Want to enjoy picturesque views of Belfast Lough during takeoff or landing? Then a window seat is your choice. If legroom comfort and the ability to quickly leave the cabin upon arrival are priorities, it is better to choose an aisle seat.
Hand Luggage: Remember standard rules: sharp objects and liquids in containers exceeding 100 ml are prohibited. All bottles and tubes must be packed in one transparent resealable bag. It is extremely important to check the current weight and dimension limits for hand luggage on your airline's website, as they may vary.
Connecting Passengers: Most flights from this airport are direct. If you have a transit planned, for example, in London or Amsterdam, clarify with the carrier in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. As a rule, when flying with one airline, luggage is checked through to the final destination.
Customs Control: If you are arriving from other cities in the UK or Ireland (within the Common Travel Area), customs control is not required. For passengers from other countries, standard corridors apply: "Green" if you have nothing to declare, and "Red" for goods subject to declaration.
Saving Time and Money: Book parking and airport transfers online — this is almost always cheaper than paying on the spot. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security to avoid spending on expensive drinks. A light snack can also be brought along to avoid higher prices in cafes.
In Case of Flight Delay: First of all, contact your airline representative for the latest information. Depending on the duration of the delay, you may be provided with vouchers for food or even hotel accommodation. Cafes, shops, and free Wi-Fi in the airport terminal will help brighten up the wait.