Located just five minutes from Belfast city centre, Belfast City Airport has long served as a strategic gateway for Northern Ireland — providing vital connectivity, supporting economic growth, and linking the region to key domestic and international destinations.
The airport has a long history; it started life as Sydenham Airport, a military base, and played an important role in the Second World War before becoming established as an important asset in Northern Ireland’s defence and aerospace industries. For much of the post war period it supported the operations of Shorts; one of Northern Ireland’s most important businesses at the time. In 1983, the transformation into the passenger hub we have today began as ‘Belfast Harbour Airport’ when it started scheduled passenger services whilst continuing to support Shorts’ aerospace operations.
Following rapid growth into a regional hub, the airport we know today took shape with the opening of a new terminal in 2001 – replacing the original 1980s facilities and supporting the ongoing growth in passenger demand.
To further build on our reputation as an efficient, friendly, and stress-free airport, in 2018 we unveiled a major £15 million investment into the bars, restaurants, and shops in our Departures Lounge.
Today, Belfast City is the most punctual of all airports across the UK. By linking the city and Northern Ireland to key destinations across the rest of the UK, Europe, and beyond, we play a vital role in enabling the growth of business, tourism, and trade.
Our Master Plan is an opportunity to show how we can build on our rich history while setting out a clear blueprint for how we can continue to meet increasing passenger demand over the next 15 years.