Belfast International Airport Guide
Belfast International Airport sits 30 km northwest of Belfast city centre in Aldergrove, County Antrim. It is Northern Ireland's largest airport and the second busiest on the island of Ireland. The airport operates 24 hours a day and handled a record 6.7 million passengers in 2024, a 13% increase on the previous year.
The airport has two runways — the primary at 2,780 metres and a secondary at 1,891 metres. easyJet is the dominant carrier and uses the airport as a focus city, while Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI also operate significant volumes from here. Routes cover the UK, Europe, and seasonal transatlantic leisure destinations.
Vinci Airports has owned the airport since 2018 and is investing £100 million in infrastructure upgrades. A new security hall opened in May 2025 as the first completed phase of that redevelopment. The airport was originally opened for civil aviation at this site in October 1963 when flights relocated from Sydenham.
Services
5 of 6 availableCompare 23 listed options at Belfast International Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for Belfast International Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 6.7M passengers (2024)2 runwaysopened 1963
- Location
- 54.658, -6.216
- Operator
- Vinci Airports
Terminals
1 terminalBelfast International Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Main Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 6 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Main TerminalMixed
easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2, TUI, Loganair, Wizz Air
Nearby cities
4 citiesBelfast International Airport is closest to Antrim (5 km east), and also serves Lisburn, Ballymena and other nearby areas. With 4 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- Belfast30 km southeast
- Antrim5 km east
- Ballymena26 km northeast
- Lisburn22 km southeast
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for Belfast International Airport?
What are the airport codes for Belfast International Airport?
Where is Belfast International Airport located?
Where is Belfast International Airport located?
What services are available at Belfast International Airport?
What services are available at Belfast International Airport?
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