Belfast International Airport (BFS) – Terminals, Flights, Transport & Hotels
Airport Directions
Belfast International Airport (BFS), locally known as Aldergrove, is Northern Ireland’s busiest airport and the primary choice for travelers from County Antrim, Derry/Londonderry, and the North. Handling over 6 million passengers annually, it serves as a key low-cost hub. While BFS have indirect flights to Dubai, it is a popular starting point for Flys to Dubai travelers who use easyJet to connect via major UK hubs like London Gatwick, Luton, or Manchester to catch their Emirates or British Airways connection.
Airport Name
Belfast International Airport
IATA Code
BFS
Location
Approx 13 miles (21 km) northwest of Belfast City Center
Terminals
single, two-story terminal
Distance from Central London
Approx 13 miles (21 km) northwest of Belfast City Center
Nearby Areas
Antrim, Templepatrick, Lisburn, and Lough Neagh
Airlines Operating from the Airport
BFS is dominated by low-cost carriers, making it great for “self-connecting” passengers.
- Connecting to Dubai: easyJet (Multiple daily flights to London Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, and Manchester). Note: You will typically need to collect your bags and re-check them for your Dubai flight at the connecting airport.
- Budget / Leisure: Ryanair, Jet2.com (Major holiday base), TUI Airways.
- Pro Tip: If you require a “single-ticket” connection (where bags go straight through), check Belfast City Airport (BHD) for British Airways/KLM options.
Destinations & Routes
BFS connects to over 70 destinations, mostly in Europe and the UK.
- Flights to Dubai: There are no direct flights from Belfast International to Dubai. The most popular route for Flys to Dubai customers is to fly easyJet to London Gatwick (LGW) or Manchester (MAN) and connect onto Emirates.
- Popular Routes: London (all airports), Manchester, Edinburgh, Alicante, and Majorca.
Airport Terminals Information
Belfast International operates from a single, two-story terminal.
- Main Terminal: Check-in is on the ground floor. Security and the departure lounge are on the upper level.
- Navigation: The terminal is easy to navigate, but it can get busy during peak holiday times. All gates are a short walk from the central departure lounge.
- Facilities: Features the Causeway Lounge, a food court including Burger King and Starbucks, and a Lagan Bar.
Airport Facilities & Services
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal (2 hours free).
- Lounges: Causeway Lounge: The airport’s premium lounge offering food, drinks, and runway views. Access can be pre-booked.
- Prayer Rooms: A quiet room/prayer area is available in the departure lounge.
- Currency Exchange: International Currency Exchange (ICE) bureaus are located landside and airside.
Shopping & Dining at the Airport
- Shopping: Includes Aelia Duty Free, JD Sports, WHSmith, and Superdrug.
- Dining:
- Lagan Bar: The main pub/restaurant airside.
- Burger King, Starbucks, Caffè Ritazza, Chopstix Noodle Bar.
- Fed & Watered: A bar/restaurant offering locally sourced food.
Airport Security & Immigration
- Security: Belfast International has upgraded to Next Generation Scanners (C3). You can now leave liquids (up to 2 litres) and laptops inside your hand luggage.
- Fast Track: The security hall can get congested during holidays. Priority Security passes (~£6) are highly recommended.
- Immigration: E-Gates are available for eligible passport holders.
BFS to Dubai Flight Information
Detailed flight data for your trip with Flys to Dubai.
Feature | Details |
Average Flight Time | 10h 30m – 14h 00m (Connecting) |
Distance | ~5,800 km |
Direct Flights | No (Connecting via UK Hubs) |
Cheapest Months | November, January |
Dubai Arrival Airports
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Connecting flights via Emirates or British Airways arrive at DXB. This is the main hub with direct Metro access to the city.
Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Occasionally used for seasonal charters, but scheduled connections usually land at DXB.
Transport & Connectivity
Belfast International relies heavily on its express bus network as there is no train station at the terminal.
- Bus (Airport Express 300): Runs 24/7 every 15 minutes (peak) to Belfast Europa Buscentre (City Center). Journey time: 30–40 minutes. Cost: approx. £8.50 single.
- Bus (Ulsterbus 109A): Connects the airport to Lisburn and Antrim train stations.
- Car: Accessible via the M2 motorway (turn off at Junction 5 for the A57).
- Taxi: Belfast Airport Taxis is the official operator available 24/7 outside arrivals.
Parking Information
- Drop Off Zone: Located right in front of the terminal. Warning: A £3 charge applies for 10 minutes.
- Main Car Park: Located a 2-3 minute walk from the terminal.
- Long Stay: Located a 5-10 minute walk or short bus ride away.
- McCausland Airport Car Park: A popular off-site private car park offering shuttle transfers.
Hotels Near the Airport
- Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport: The only hotel located on the airport grounds, just a 50-meter walk from the terminal entrance.
- Ballyrobin Country Lodge: A boutique hotel located a 2-minute drive away (shuttle often available).
- Holiday Inn Express Antrim: Located near Junction 1, a short drive away.
Tips for Travelers
- The Smoking Situation: Crucial Update: The famous airside smoking area (The Lagan Bar balcony) was closed in 2025. There are currently no smoking facilities after security. Smoke before you enter!
- Liquid Rules: Enjoy the new 2-litre limit, but remember if you are transferring through an airport with older scanners (like some smaller European hubs), you might face issues on the return leg.
- Bus Tickets: Buy your Airport Express 300 ticket via the mLink app on your phone to save time and money.
- Self-Transfer Warning: If flying EasyJet to Gatwick to connect to Emirates, leave at least 4 hours between flights to collect bags and change terminals.
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Questions & Answer
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No. For direct single-ticket connections (where bags are checked through), consider flying from Belfast City Airport (BHD) via British Airways or KLM. For BFS, you usually self-connect.
BFS is served mainly by low‑cost and leisure airlines, with easyJet the largest carrier by weekly departures, followed by Ryanair UK and other seasonal/charter operators.
You can fly to about 64 destinations, including UK cities like Edinburgh and international leisure spots such as Alicante, Malaga, Faro, Cancun, and Hurghada (some seasonal).
Go straight to your airline’s baggage desk or handling agent in arrivals and complete a property irregularity report (PIR); keep your boarding pass and baggage tag as proof.
Facilities include an information desk, ATMs, currency exchange, cafés, restaurants, bars, shops, baby‑changing rooms, and a business lounge for eligible passengers or fee‑paying visitors.
Yes, a business lounge operates in the departures area, offering comfortable seating, snacks, drinks, and quiet workspace for eligible passengers or those who pay for access.
The Airport Express 300 bus runs between BFS and Belfast’s Europa/Grand Central bus station, taking around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
Typical options include a bus from BFS to Belfast city, then the Airport Express 600 to BHD, or a direct taxi/car drive of about 17 miles between the two airports.
Smoking and vaping are not allowed inside the terminal; designated smoking areas are usually located outside before security in clearly marked zones.