Belfast City Airport: Difference between revisions

Located 2 miles from Belfast city centre providing essential business links to Northern Ireland's capital, Belfast City airport offers a wide range of regional airliners. The peak times of operation are between 0700 and 0830, and between 1600 and 1800.

The cafe on the first floor of the terminal building overlooks the main apron, and photography is possible from here. The cafe is officially designated a Viewing Area on signage in the terminal, however it is always best to purchase something from the cafe if you are using the tables. Beware sometimes over-enthuastic security personnel who panic when they see cameras/binoculars. Use of airband radios not recommended.

The old Terminal carpark is no longer used, however still has a manned security hut overlooking the area. It is possible to photograph aircraft using the old Terminal for General Aviation purposes, however an extended stay to photograph the movements will result in you being moved to the footbridge linking the airport with the nearby Sydenham Railway Station. The footbridge enables good views and photography of aircraft departing runway 22, and arriving and departing runway 04. Parking in the old Terminal car park is not permitted for any length of time, however parking is available off the main dual carriageway under the footbridge.

Close to B&Q (see above) but turn left upon entering Holywood Exchange (rather than right). The newly opened (December 07) Ikea has a multi-story open-roof car park that offers great views of runways 4 and 22. On a week-day you should be able to park your car right beside the fence on level 3. But on a Saturday or Sunday, if it is busy, you might not be able to drive into the multi-storey, but you can still walk up to it. Expect a few weird looks from the public if photographing, but you shouldn't get bothered by any staff. The multi-story is only open during store opening hours - on a Sunday this means you won't get onto the carpark top level until 1300hrs. See http://www.airliners.net/photo/EuroManx/EuroManx/1330520 for example photo.  

The cafe mentioned above has airport priced food and drink, and there is a newsagents on the ground floor of the terminal building. There is a regular bus service from outside the terminal to the Europe Bus Station in the centre of the city which costs just a few pounds.