Belfast International Airport

Belfast International Airport (BFS/EGAA): Northern Ireland’s Record-Breaking Gateway

Belfast International Airport (BFS/EGAA), commonly known as Aldergrove, stands as the largest and busiest airport in Northern Ireland. Strategically located approximately 21 km (13 miles) northwest of Belfast city center, BFS serves as the primary hub for low-cost carriers and is a critical gateway for regional tourism and economy. The airport recently achieved a major milestone, handling over 6.7 million passengers in 2024, marking its highest passenger traffic year to date and solidifying its role as a vital transport link. BFS is currently undergoing significant modernization to further elevate the traveler experience and accommodate sustained growth.

New Terminal Developments and Enhanced Passenger Services

BFS operates from a single, unified terminal complex, which is the focus of a transformative £100 million five-year investment programme initiated by VINCI Airports.

• Next-Generation Security: The recently completed Phase One of the investment, a £25 million terminal extension, features a state-of-the-art Next Generation Security Hall. This crucial upgrade utilizes advanced scanning technology, meaning passengers no longer have to remove liquids (up to 2 litres) or electronic devices from their hand luggage. This innovation provides a significantly faster and more seamless security process.
• Retail and Amenities: The terminal offers an extensive and improved range of facilities. Travelers benefit from free high-speed Wi-Fi access across the terminal. Post-security, a dramatically expanded 1,600 m² integrated Duty-Free store combines duty-free, food/beverage, and travel essentials in one modern space, offering both iconic global and beloved local brands. For a more comfortable pre-flight experience, passengers can access the premium VIP lounge (e.g., The Causeway Lounge).
• Accommodation: For maximum convenience, the Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport is situated within a short walking distance of the terminal building.

Comprehensive Transportation and Parking Guide

Connecting the airport to Belfast city center and the wider province is made simple through multiple reliable transport options.

• Bus Services: The Airport Express 300 bus service offers the most direct and frequent public transport link, running between the airport and the Europa Bus Centre in Belfast city center. The journey typically takes between 30–40 minutes.
• Taxi: Official taxi services are readily available outside the arrivals area. A taxi ride to the city center takes approximately 20 minutes, with fares generally ranging from £30 to £40.
• Car Rental: Major international car rental providers, including Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, and Europcar, maintain conveniently located desks within the arrivals hall.
• Parking: BFS provides various parking facilities to meet every need, including designated areas for Short-Stay (ideal for pickups), Long-Stay, and efficient Park & Ride options. Significant savings are highly encouraged by pre-booking parking online.

Leading Airlines and Diverse Route Network

Belfast International Airport is key to Northern Ireland’s connectivity, maintaining a robust network across the UK and key European destinations.

• Major Carriers: The airport serves as a critical base for easyJet (Northern Ireland’s largest airline), along with other prominent low-cost and charter operators such as Ryanair, Jet2.com, and TUI Airways.
• Busiest Routes: The network is heavily focused on domestic UK travel, with the busiest routes including high-frequency services to major British cities like London-Stansted, Manchester, Edinburgh, and London-Gatwick.
• Expanding Destinations: The route map covers over 70 direct destinations. Recent additions, especially for the latest Winter 2024/2025 schedules, have boosted leisure and city break travel options, introducing new flights to popular destinations such as Prague, Marrakech, Fuerteventura, Madeira, and Kaunas.

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