Information and Travel Guide for Belfast
International Airport
Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Belfast International Airport is a world-class airport complex located in Belfast, North Ireland. In 2011, the airport transported more than 4.1 million passengers, with 62% and 38% of these headed to domestic and international destinations, respectively. According to CAA Survey Statistics, more than half of all the passengers coming in and from North Ireland travel via Belfast International Airport.

History

In 1917, Belfast International Airport began as the Royal Flying Corps training area during the First World War. In 1963 it was launched as a civil airport by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. As early as 1969 the airport achieved a huge milestone, having served 1 million passengers for the year. It was in 1983 that the airport was renamed to Belfast International Airport, and one year later hit the 1.5 million-passenger mark.

Services and Amenities

There's more to Belfast International Airport than just carrying you from one destination to another. The airport also offers excellent shopping and dining options for almost everyone. For shopping, whether you need just a change of clothes, some stylish accessories or some stuff you can take on flight with you, there's The Irish Quarter, Superdrug, WHSmith, and Tax-free and Duty-free shopping. Food stops are all over the airport, too, from Starbucks to Cafe Ritazza to The Strangford Grill. Wireless broadband, provided by BT Openzone, is widely accessible within the terminal.

Parking and Transportation

Parking inside the Belfast International Airport is a guarantee in vehicle safety and security. The airport has more than 8,000 car parking spaces available. For car rental services, Belfast International Airport is home to six car hire companies including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar and National Car Rental.

Security

Several security restrictions are enforced by Belfast International Airport, and they are as follows:

  • Liquids have to be placed in containers no bigger than 100ml
  • All these liquid containers have to be placed in plastic resealable bags.
  • X-ray screening on wheelchairs and walking aids are required.
  • Liquid medications, infant formulas and other related items held in containers greater than 100ml will be subject to a different security verification procedure.
Airlines that operate within Belfast International Airport include Aer Lingus, United Airlines, easyJet, Jet2.com, Thomas Cook and Thomson. The airport has also teamed up with several tour operators, including Atlantic Holidays, Falcon Holidays, Thomas Cook, Thomson and Balkan Tours, offering the best tour packages and arrangements to the finest destinations around the globe. Getting to and from the airport is easy, as the location is easily accessible by private vehicle, bus or coach, and taxi.

Nearby Accommodations

Many hotels, inns, and apartments are located near Belfast International Airport. A few of these highly recommended hotels are Park Plaza Belfast, Holiday Inn Express Antrim, Hilton Templepatrick, Jurys Inn Belfast and Cordia Serviced Apartments. Travelers who are looking for hotels to stay in the nearby cities of Aldergrove, Dunadry, Templepatrick, Stonyford, and Crumlin will also find excellent accommodations within these areas. 

Travel Tips

Make sure you have all the documents required for domestic and international flights. Make sure that your hand luggage does not contain any restricted items such as sharp objects, liquids exceeding 100ml and other forbidden items. When traveling with children make sure that you have prepared all travel documents before the flight. Baby changing facilities as well as retail outlets and food outlets that serve kid-friendly meals are available in the airport. 

Contact Information

Address: Belfast International Airport, Belfast, BT29, 4AB
Phone #: + 44 (0) 28 9448 4848
Website: http://www.belfastairport.com/
Email: [email protected]
Number of Terminals: 1
Fax: (0)28 9445 2084
Time Zone: GMT (GMT+ 1 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
Location: The airport is located 30km (18 miles) northwest of Belfast
Airport code: BFS