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PARKING ADVICE FOR DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS
Special Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

General Airport Information

Security

  • Can liquids be taken through security?
    Yes, liquids, creams, pastes, gels, aerosols can be taken through security providing they are 100ml or less and presented in a single transparent and sealable bag.

    Exceptions will be made for baby food or baby milk. This exception is only permitted if you are travelling with a baby or infant. Please carry only what you need for your journey and to assist security screening, please do not carry these items in a flask. If you are not travelling with a baby or infant, excess liquid should be carried as hold luggage.

    Exceptions will also be made for liquid medicines. You are only permitted to carry quantities of liquid medication in excess of your personal liquid allowance where it is needed during the course of your flight. All medication should be accompanied by documentary proof of authenticity, such as a prescription or letter from a medical practitioner confirming that you need them for your journey. Liquid medication that is not required on the flight should be carried as hold luggage.

    Liquid baby food and liquid medicines will undergo checks before being permitted to be carried.
  • Can I take medication / syringes on board?
    Yes, medication and medical sharps can be taken onboard in hand luggage providing passengers can provide documentary proof of authenticity, such as a prescription or letter from a medical practitioner.
  • Is it safe to go through airport body scanners when pregnant?
    The Department for Transport considers that there are no known health effects from the scanners in use at Belfast City Airport. If a pregnant passenger feels uncomfortable proceeding through our body scanners, a private search can be requested as an alternative.
  • Is it safe to go through airport body scanners with a pacemaker?
    The Department for Transport considers that there are no known health effects from the scanners in use at Belfast City Airport.
  • Can knitting needles be taken through security?
    Yes, knitting needles can be taken through security and on board in hand luggage.
  • Can I take sports equipment onboard as hand luggage?
    Sporting items such as cues, racquets, bats and clubs will not be permitted as hand luggage. These oversized items and other bags over 56cm, x 45cm x 25cm will need to be processed separately and placed in the hold of the aircraft.
  • Can I buy a fast track security pass?
    Yes, fast track security passes are available to buy directly on our website: https://www.belfastcityairport.com/Airport-Security
  • Will I require a private search at security?
    Private searches can be requested by passengers as an alternative to airport body scanners. Private searches at Belfast City Airport take place in a designated room at the back of our central search area. Witnesses may accompany passengers and security personnel in the designated private search area.
     
    Should you have any further queries regarding security procedures at Belfast City Airport, visit our Security webpage.

Flight Information

  • What time does check-in open at?
    Check-in will open 2 hours before your flight departure for most airlines at Belfast City Airport. Please check directly with your airline before travelling to the Airport.
  • What type of I.D. can I use?
    The most common forms of identification are passport, driving license and I.D. cards. However, please do check with your airline directly before travelling to the airport on what types of I.D. are acceptable. Failure to show a valid form of identification will mean you cannot fly.
  • What do I do if my flight is cancelled?
    If you are already through to the Departures Lounge at Belfast City Airport and you receive a flight cancellation notification, make your way down to arrivals and back through to the airline check-in desks. Airline handling agents will be on hand to reschedule your flight or provide alternative arrangements.

    If your flight is cancelled before arriving at Belfast City Airport, contact your airline directly via telephone, email or social media for further assistance.
  • What do I do if my luggage is lost / damaged?
    If your luggage is lost or missing when you arrive at Belfast City Airport, please contact your airline directly via telephone, email or social media for further assistance.

Facilities

Special Assistance

  • Does Belfast City Airport provide Special Assistance to passengers?
    Special Assistance can be booked with your airline, travel agent or tour operator up to 48 hours before your departure date. 
     
    Should you have any further queries on travelling with a disability or hidden disability at Belfast City Airport, visit our Special Assistance webpage.

    AccessAble and Belfast City Airport have worked in collaboration to create a detailed guide to assist you in getting around the airport. The app contains all of AccessAble’s guides for Belfast City Airport and is useful when moving around the airport on the go. Click here for more information.

Lost Property

  • I left an item at the airport – what do I do?
    If you leave an item behind during your journey through Belfast City Airport, you can log it with our team using the online form on our Contact Us webpage. We will respond to your query within 24 hours.

    If you leave an item onboard an aircraft on departure from Belfast City, contact the destination airport directly.

To / From Belfast City Airport

  • How far is Belfast City Airport from Belfast city centre?
    Belfast City Airport is just 5 minutes from Belfast city centre and has excellent transport links for passengers wishing to explore what the city has to offer.
  • Can I get a taxi at the airport?
    Yes, our official taxi partner Value Cabs has a taxi rank located at the front of the terminal building with cars on standby throughout the day.
  • Is public transport easily accessible to / from the airport?
    Belfast City Airport has excellent public transport links, including regular bus services to Europa bus centre, from which passengers can travel onwards to regions across Northern Ireland. Passengers can also travel to / from the airport via train, with Sydenham Rail Halt located next to the Airport.
  • Is there a courtesy bus to and from the terminal?
    A courtesy bus is available to transport passengers between the terminal and the rail halt free of charge and can be requested at the call point located in the taxi shelter at the front of the terminal or at the rail halt via a direct telephone line. Proof of train travel may be requested.

Media Enquiries

Car Park

  • Are Blue Badge Holders exempt from the £3 drop off and pick up charge?
    Blue Badge holders can avail of up to 2 hours free parking to drop off / pick up passengers in our Short Stay Car Park. Additional details can be found in our Blue Badge Parking section.
  • Are there any restrictions on the type of vehicle I can bring to the car park?
    Our car parks accommodate standard family cars, SUVs, small vans, and motorcycles. We do not accommodate large commercial vehicles, caravans, or vehicles with trailers attached.
  • Can I cancel or amend my car park booking?

    Customers with a Long Stay Flex, Short Stay or Premier car park booking can cancel or amend their booking free of charge. This can be done online up to your booked arrival time via 'manage my booking'.

    Unfortunately, it is not possible to amend or cancel a booking once you have entered the car park (e.g. extend your stay). We ask you to pay for any additional time at the ticket machines in the terminal or at the barriers upon leaving.
    Long Stay Non-Flex bookings cannot be amended or cancelled, as stated at the time of booking.
    Amendments to the dates of stay are subject to the terms and conditions of your booking. Please note if you booked during a sale or at a lower price and that rate is no longer available, the new rate will apply.

  • Can I enter the car park earlier than my selected car park entry time?
    Yes, customers can arrive up to 1 hour in advance of the selected entry time of their car park booking. The car park entry barrier will recognise your vehicle and provide access to the designated car park. 
  • Can I leave my bike in the Airport car parks?
    Yes. Bicycle bays, previously located in our Short Stay Car Park, are now available free of charge within our Premier Car Park – the closest car park to the terminal building.
  • Can I pre-book parking?
    Yes, pre-booking parking on our website guarantees the best rates for our Short Stay, Long Stay and Premier Car Parks.
  • Do I get a refund if I cancel my car park online booking?
    Yes, if you selected a flexible option when you made the reservation and you cancel the booking ahead of your booked arrival time your car parking fee will be refunded back to you in full to the payment method used to make the online booking.
  • Do you have disabled parking spaces?
    Yes, we have a number of designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders located in our Short Stay Car Park, close to the terminal building. Blue Badge holders can park in the Short Stay Car Park but at cheaper Long Stay Car Park rates.
     
    Pre-booked Blue Badge holders are required to visit the PRM desk in terminal when they return from their trip to present the entry ticket, the reservation email, and proof of blue badge ownership. The entry ticket will then be validated to exit the car park.
     
    Non-booked customers are required to press the intercom at any pay station or on exit and a member of the car park team will confirm valid Blue Badge ownership before charging the Long Stay Car Park rate.
     
    Blue Badge owners can also avail of up to 2 hours free parking to drop off / pick up. When they have finished at the airport, the driver needs to present the entry ticket and proof of Blue Badge ownership at the PRM desk. The entry ticket will then be validated to exit the car park free of charge.
     
    Alternatively the driver can press the intercom at any pay station or on exit and a member of the car park team will confirm valid Blue Badge ownership before validating the 2 hours free parking. 
     
    Blue Badge holders who are at the airport for over 2 hours to drop off or pick up will be charged at the standard price for their stay.
  • Do you offer any discounts for parking?
    All details of current car parking offers and discounts are available online at www.belfastcityairport.com/SpecialOffers

    Sign up to our newsletter for the latest deals straight to your inbox or follow us on social media.
  • How close to my date/time of travel can I pre-book car parking online?
    The system will accept pre-bookings up to 1 hour prior to the expected time of arrival at the selected car park.
    All car park bookings are subject to availability and the airport reserves the right to withdraw availability at its discretion for any given date.
  • How do I know my car park booking has been confirmed?
    Once you have completed the booking process, you will receive a confirmation email with a reservation number. If you don't receive an email confirmation shortly after you complete the booking process, please get in touch with us online as soon as possible and a member of our customer service team will arrange for your confirmation to be resent.
  • How many car parks does Belfast City Airport have on-site?
    Belfast City Airport has 3 car parks for drivers to choose from – Short Stay, Long Stay, and Premier. This is in addition to the Express Drop Off and Pick Up area.
     
    Choose Short Stay parking
    Choose Long Stay parking
    Choose Premier parking
  • I have mobility issues - how do I book assistance from the car parks?

    Passengers with reduced mobility and/or hidden disabilities are entitled and encouraged to use the Special Assistance service at Belfast City Airport for getting to and from the terminal building.

    Passengers requiring assistance should book this with their airline, travel agent or tour operator at least 48 hours in advance. This information is then transmitted to both the departure and arrival airports.

    Drivers dropping off or picking up a person with a blue badge, or a person who has booked assistance, can continue to do so in the Short Stay Car Park. Upon meeting the passenger, a member of the Special Assistance team can validate the driver's ticket at the desk.

  • I have pre-booked parking, what do I do when I arrive?
    Our car parks operate with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras for all pre-booked customers.

    On arrival and departure:
    • Follow the signage on site to the car park you have booked
    • Drive up to the barrier
    • The camera will read your vehicle registration
    • The barrier will lift
    • If the barrier does not lift, scan the QR code on the confirmation email (either printed or from a mobile device)
    • Assistance is available through the intercom if required
  • I haven’t pre-booked online, can I still use the car park facilities?
    Yes, both our Short Stay and Long Stay Car Parks allow passengers to drive up and enter on the day. The best rates for the Short Stay and Long Stay Car Parks are however available online. Our Premier Car Park is the only car park which requires passengers to book in advance of arrival.
  • If I park in a Blue Badge bay, can I leave a photocopy of the original badge?
    Yes, you can leave a photocopy of your original Blue Badge if you need to take it with you.
  • What are the charges for car parking if I do not pre-book?
    Drive up rates for our Short Stay and Long Stay Car Parks can be found on our website:
     
    Short Stay Car Park 
    Long Stay Car Park 
  • What if I return later than the date/time on the booking?
    You will be charged for the additional time in which you stay in the car park, based on the applicable overstay rate.
    Further details of our car park rates can be found on our website:

    Short Stay Car Park
    Long Stay Car Park
  • What if I’ve pre-booked and my licence plate has not been recognised at the entry/exit barrier?
    Should the car park barrier not recognise your license plate, please scan the QR code on the confirmation email (either paper on mobile device).

    Please have a (printed or digital) copy of your confirmation email ready to hand before arrival at the airport and before exit from the car park. If your licence plate is not recognised, please scan the QR code found on your confirmation email. If that doesn’t raise the barrier, please press the intercom to speak with a member of the team. Do not press for a ticket.

    If you have gone over your pre-booked exit date and time, you can pay for any overstay changes at the barrier via credit or debit card.
  • What should I do if my flight is delayed?
    If your flight is delayed and you have pre-booked, drive up to the barrier or scan the QR code you received with your booking confirmation at a pay station or exit barrier. This will give you a preferential overstay rate, which can be paid at a pay station or exit barrier.
  • Where can I pay for my parking? Where are the pay stations located?
    Pay stations to pay by card or cash are located in the terminal building, in the Express Drop Off and Pick Up area, and within the Short Stay Car Park. Drivers can also pay via credit or debit card at any car park exit barrier.
  • Where do I drop someone off / pick someone up?
    At Belfast City Airport, we pride ourselves on offering our passengers choice and convenience. That is why we have three options for those needing to drop off or pick up passengers:
     
    • Drop Off and Pick Up in our Long Stay Car Park which offers users 10 minutes free.
     
    • Express Drop Off and Pick Up area, located close to the terminal building for motorists simply dropping off or picking up passengers. This incurs a charge of £3.00 for the first 10 minutes. The charges for stays beyond that can be found here.
     
    • Short Stay Car Park – ideal for those who plan to be on-site for more than 10 minutes when dropping off or picking up passengers.
     
    • Blue Badge holders can avail of up to 2 hours free parking to drop off / pick up passengers in our Short Stay Car Park. Additional details can be found in our Blue Badge Parking section.
  • Will I be charged for dropping someone off / picking someone up?
    Charges will apply in the Express Drop Off and Pick Up area and in the Short Stay Car Park. However drivers can still avail of free drop off and pick up in our Long Stay Car Park.

    Blue Badge holders can avail of up to 2 hours free in our Short Stay Car Park for dropping off or picking up passengers. Further detail can be found in the Blue Badge Parking section.

Reconfiguration Works

  • Are car park prices increasing as a result of the reconfiguration?
    No. Our car park charges vary depending on seasonality and availability, with best value fares available online and in advance of travel. Our Special Offers page also lists any discount or sales periods throughout the year.
  • Does the reconfiguration impact my booking?
    All existing bookings remain unaffected and are still valid. Please follow the signage to your designated car park.
  • Has access to the car parks changed?
    All car park users will enter through the main airport gates. All motorists will now follow the signage to drive along the new access road that runs parallel to the Sydenham Bypass. From here access leads to the Short Stay Car Park; Express Drop Off and Pick Up; Premier Car Park; Long Stay Car Park; and Car Hire collection/return.
     
    Exits from all areas in both the Bangor and Belfast directions are well signed.
  • How has car parking at the airport changed since the reconfiguration?
    The reconfiguration of the car parks at Belfast City Airport ensures an improved offering for users.
     
    All motorists will make use of the new entry road to improve traffic flow across the site. New signage is in place for motorists and pedestrians.
     
    • The Long Stay Car Park remains the best value option for those parking their car for 4 plus days. Motorists can now avail of 10 minutes free parking in the Long Stay Car Park for picking up and dropping off passengers. This car park has not moved but now allows motorists 10 minutes of free parking for pick ups or drop offs.
     
    • An Express Drop Off and Pick Up Area has been introduced for motorists who will be here for less than 10 minutes and who don’t intend on going into the terminal building. A minimum charge of £3.00 applies for the first 10 minutes.
     
    • The Short Stay Car Park is the best location for motorists wishing to park and go into the terminal building to pick up or drop off friends or family; and also passengers intending to leave their car for up to 1-3 days.
     
    • Premier Car Park remains unchanged, offering passengers 2 complimentary fast track security passes with every booking.
     
    • Improved pedestrian access for those accessing the site on foot having availed of public transport.
     
    *All tariffs are available on the website. All tariffs are also clearly displayed at the barriers before motorists enter each car park. As before, pre-booking online in advance of travel guarantees motorists the best rates:
     
    Choose Short Stay parking
    Choose Long Stay parking
    Choose Premier parking
     
  • How much did the reconfiguration cost?
    The car park reconfiguration is the result of a £1.7m private investment by Belfast City Airport and its shareholders.
  • Does the reconfiguration add any additional capacity?
    The reconfiguration does not introduce any additional parking spaces but instead focuses on an enhanced offering for users and an improved traffic flow on-site. The site is now capable of future development and additional capacity if required.
  • Why has Belfast City Airport chosen now to raise its prices when there is a Cost of Living crisis?
    These reconfiguration works were scheduled to take place earlier but have been delayed as a result of the pandemic.
     
    Whilst as a business we must take these rising costs into consideration, we are mindful of the impact for our customers. To that end, we made the decision to still facilitate 10 minutes free parking in the Long Stay Car Park whilst providing the additional option of an Express Drop Off and Pick Up area.
     
    Passengers are reminded that the best parking tariffs can be accessed when booking online in advance. The airport also regularly offers promotional rates and discount codes for our car parks which are shared on our website, on social media and via our newsletter.
  • Why is the airport now charging for Pick Up and Drop Off?
    Our free pick up and drop off area has moved to the Long Stay Car Park where motorists can still avail of 10 minutes free parking: Long Stay Car Park
     
    The Express Drop Off and Pick Up area has been introduced to enable motorists not wishing to enter the terminal building the option to quickly drop off and pick up passengers.
  • Is the Long Stay Car Park with 10 mins free far from the terminal?
    Belfast City Airport has one of the shortest car-to-gate distances in Europe and the Long Stay Car Park is located just 306 yards from the terminal and can be reached in less than 5-10 minutes on foot.
  • Can I leave the Long Stay Car Park after my 10 free minutes and return?
    If you leave the Long Stay Car Park and return to enter again within 15 minutes of exiting, you will be automatically charged a minimum of £4.00 (applicable rates applied for stays thereafter).

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