Belfast is served by two distinct airports that cater to different travel needs: Belfast International (BFS), the larger hub for low-cost and international flights, and George Best Belfast City (BHD), the ultra-convenient “downtown” airport.
In 2025, the combined passenger traffic for Belfast’s two airports reached 8,906,578, a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to 2024. Despite this minor dip, the airports remain the vital pulse of Northern Ireland’s connectivity, handling nearly 17% of all air passenger traffic on the island of Ireland.
1. Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Annual Visitors (2025): 6,550,736
Located 18 miles northwest of the city, “The International” is Northern Ireland’s principal airport and the second-largest gateway on the island. It is a major base for easyJet, Ryanair, and Jet2.
- 2025 Performance: Passenger numbers were down 2.7% compared to 2024, but the airport is currently undergoing a £100 million investment plan by VINCI Airports to upgrade security and terminal facilities.
- Best for: Mediterranean sun destinations, European city breaks, and long-haul connections.
Transport to Belfast City Centre
- Airport Express 300: The most reliable budget option. It departs every 15–20 minutes (24/7) and takes approximately 30–40 minutes to reach the Europa Buscentre.
- Taxi: The official taxi rank is outside the terminal. A trip to the city center costs between £35 and £45 and takes about 25–30 minutes.
For more information on how to get to and from the airport, or to book a private transfer, visit the Belfast Airport Information & Booking Page.
2. George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Annual Visitors (2025): 2,355,842
Situated just 3 miles from the city center, Belfast City Airport is one of the most accessible airports in the UK. It serves as a regional base for Aer Lingus and British Airways.
- 2025 Performance: Traffic remained steady with a minor 1.5% decrease from the previous year.
- Best for: Business travelers and quick hops to London-Heathrow, London-City, and other UK regional hubs.
Transport to Belfast City Centre
- Airport Express 600: Runs every 20–30 minutes to Grand Central Station. The journey is remarkably fast, taking only 10 minutes.
- Train: The Sydenham rail halt is nearby. A free shuttle bus (available on request via the airport phone) takes you to the station for a 5-minute train ride into the city.
- Taxi/Uber: Due to its proximity, a taxi to the center is affordable, usually costing £10–£15 plus a small airport surcharge.
For more information on how to get to and from the airport, or to book a private transfer, visit the Belfast Airport Information & Booking Page.
Reflections: Belfast vs. Dublin and London
While Belfast offers incredible convenience, its scale is dwarfed by the massive hubs nearby:
- The Dublin Powerhouse: Dublin Airport remains the dominant force on the island, handling 33.2 million passengers in 2025—nearly four times the volume of both Belfast airports combined. Dublin’s vast transatlantic network often attracts Northern Irish travelers who use the 2-hour “Aircoach” link.
- See the full comparison: Dublin Airport Guide 2026 – Official Stats
- The London Giant: London’s Heathrow alone handles over 80 million passengers annually. For Belfast, the London-Heathrow route is its most critical link, serving as the primary gateway for Northern Irish residents to reach the rest of the world.
Official Statistics & Data Sources
Data for the 2025/2026 period is compiled from reports by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and internal performance statistics from VINCI Airports and Belfast City Airport.
- Official Source: CAA Aviation Market Data
Final Travel Tip for Belfast
If you are traveling during peak holiday periods in 2026, be aware that Belfast International is still in the midst of major construction. While the new security hall has improved flow, allow extra time for check-in. Conversely, if you are flying for business, Belfast City remains the gold standard for a stress-free experience.
