George Best Belfast City Airport (IATA Code: BHD) is traceable to County Down in Belfast in Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom. The airport has a single runway and the Spirit Aerosystems manufacturing facility is housed within the airport premises.
The airport has been handling commercial operations since the year 1983. Also, the airport was called “Belfast City Airport” previously. However, the airport was rebranded to honor the memory of George Best, a renowned professional footballer in Belfast, in the year 2006.
The George Best Belfast City Airport has six airline partners presently. These include Loganair, British Airways, KLM, Aer Lingus Regional, Lufthansa, and easyJet. British Airways and Aer Lingus are the largest operators in the airport, having their regional bases therein.
Moreover, the airport network encompasses domestic and European destinations. The domestic network of the airport includes destinations including Bristol, Jersey, the Isles of Man, Exeter, Cardiff, East Midlands, Glasgow, Inverness, among others. And among European destinations, the airport serves Amsterdam and Bologna.
History
The origins of the airport go back to the year 1937, with the establishment of Sydenham Airport by Shorts, a Belfast-based aerospace company. However, the airport was unveiled on 16th March 1938 and it served as Belfast’s main civilian airport from 1938 to 1939. Moreover, the airfield was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy during the 1940s.
The Sydenham airfield was used for military purposes until the 1970s. Thereafter, the airfield started operating commercial flights as Belfast Harbour Airport in the year 1983, and later it was renamed to Belfast City Airport.
Subsequently, the airport came to be called as George Best Belfast City Airport in the memory of George Best, a Northern Irish footballer, in the year 2006.
Transportation
Belfast City Airport is situated near the city center, serving as a gateway to discover Belfast and yonder. More so, the airport is equipped with an efficient public transport system, making it easily accessible.
The Airport Express 600 service and Translink operate buses at regular intervals to and from the airport.
Besides, you can avail NI Railways Services to travel to the Northern part of Ireland. You can also board a train from Sydenham rail station to go to Great Victoria Street Station or Belfast Central Station. The Sydenham Pass connects the Sydenham rail halt to the airport.
Contact Details and Facilities
The George Best Belfast City Airport offers a host of facilities for your convenience.
There are 3 airport car parks: Long Stay Car Park, Short Stay Car Park, and Premium Car Park.
Also, among the airport restaurants, you can enjoy refreshments at Starbucks, Caffé Nero, the Artisan, and La Piazza. Additionally, World Duty Free and WH Smith have their outlets at the airport.
For more information about the airport services, you can call on +44 2890 939093.