Belfast International Airport
Belfast, United Kingdom
Belfast International Airport
Northern Ireland's busiest international gateway airport.
- ›Located near Aldergrove, approximately 18 miles northwest of Belfast city centre.
- ›Shares its site with the long-established RAF Aldergrove military airfield.
- ›Owned by AGS Airports Ltd alongside Aberdeen and Glasgow airports.
- ›Regularly handles over 2.5 million passengers per year in normal operating conditions.
- ›Offers direct transatlantic routes, distinguishing it from the smaller George Best Belfast City Airport.
Belfast International Airport, formerly known as Aldergrove Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Northern Ireland, located approximately 18 miles northwest of Belfast city centre. Originally developed as an RAF base during World War II, it has grown into a major commercial hub serving millions of passengers annually. The airport plays a vital role in connecting Northern Ireland to destinations across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
- Main Terminal — A single integrated terminal building handling all passenger departures and arrivals, with check-in, retail, dining, and lounges under one roof.
- Translink Goldline Express 300 bus service to Belfast city centre and Europa Bus Centre
- Airport Express 300 coach connecting to Belfast Great Victoria Street
- Taxi and private hire services available from the designated rank outside arrivals
- Car rental desks from major providers including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Budget
- Park and ride facilities with regular shuttle buses to the terminal
- Aldergrove Premier Inn (on-site airport hotel)
- Antrim Arms Hotel, Randalstown
- Dunadry Hotel & Country Club
- Templeton Hotel, Templepatrick
- Crowne Plaza Belfast
Inside the terminal, passengers will find a mix of familiar high-street brands including Wetherspoons, Costa Coffee, and various grab-and-go outlets airside. Dining options cater to a range of budgets, from quick breakfasts to sit-down meals before departure. For a wider selection of local Northern Irish cuisine, the town of Antrim just a short drive away offers several traditional pubs and restaurants.
- Arrive at least 2 hours before departure for domestic and EU flights, as security queues can build quickly during peak morning slots.
- The Airport Express 300 bus is a cost-effective and reliable way to reach Belfast city centre, running frequently throughout the day.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, though connection speeds can vary during busy periods.
- Currency exchange and ATMs are available both before and after security, but rates may be better in the city centre.
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Belfast International Airport is an international airport 11.5 NM northwest of Belfast in Northern Ireland, and is the main airport for the city of Belfast. Until 1983, it was known as Aldergrove Airport, after the nearby village of Aldergrove, County Antrim. In 2024, over 6.7 million passengers travelled through the airport, a 13.0% increase compared with 2023, and the highest number in the airport's history. The majority of flights from Belfast International are operated by easyJet, Northern Ireland's biggest airline. It features flights to some European metropolitan and several leisure destinations.
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