George Best Belfast City Airport is about five minutes from the centre of Belfast, which is its great advantage. Private jet charter at George Best Belfast City Airport works through the Jet Assist Business Jet Centre, with a 1,829 metre grooved runway and Jet A-1.
The drawback is the hours: the airfield closes at 2130 and non-scheduled flights are not accepted after that time. Charter-A plans your schedule around that curfew, and will say plainly if Belfast International is the better choice for a late-evening trip. It is a sensible option for a short business day in Northern Ireland.
Flying privately from Belfast City
The airfield is open 0630 to 2130 daily, extended to 2359 only in exceptional circumstances for delayed aircraft. Positioning and non-scheduled flights are not accepted after 2130. Jet Assist's centre runs 0600 to 2200 every day.
The jet centre on Belfast Road has a VIP lounge with bar and Wi-Fi, private security, customs and immigration coordination and chauffeur services. Swissport provides the mandatory ground handling. Customs is by arrangement, subject to notified movements, so international arrivals need advance notice through the FBO. Only Chapter III noise-certified aircraft may operate.
George Best Belfast City airport guide
A one-page Charter-A information sheet to keep or pass to your driver: runway, hours, customs, handling and where to arrive.
Download the PDF (384 KB)George Best Belfast City Airport at a glance
| Location | Belfast City Airport, Sydenham Bypass, Belfast, BT3 9JH |
|---|---|
| Codes | ICAO EGAC · IATA BHD |
| Region | Northern Ireland (Belfast), Northern Ireland, United Kingdom |
| Nearest city | Belfast city centre — approx. 5 min |
| Opening hours | Airfield 06:30–21:30 daily (extended to 23:59 only in exceptional circumstances for delayed aircraft); terminal from 05:30. Positioning and non-scheduled flights are not accepted after 21:30. Jet Assist FBO Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00 |
| Customs & immigration | By arrangement / prior notice |
| Runway | 04/22 – 1,829 m × 45 m asphalt (grooved) |
| Private jets | Yes — 1,829 m runway with Jet A-1 and a dedicated FBO handling turboprops, light business jets and larger executive aircraft subject to airport requirements; Chapter III noise-certified aircraft only; operations confined to 06:30–21:30 |
| Handling / FBO | Jet Assist – Business Jet Centre (FBO) · Swissport (mandatory ground handling) |
| Private terminal | Jet Assist Business Jet Centre, Belfast Road BT3 9JH – direct private access for clients and crew, separate from the main airport; VIP lounge with bar and Wi-Fi, private security, customs and immigration coordination, chauffeur services |
| Airport website | belfastcityairport.com |
Details checked 29 September 2026 against the airport’s own published information (belfastcityairport.com, jetassist.co.uk, aurora.nats.co.uk). Hours, customs and handling are reconfirmed for every flight at booking.
Why fly to Belfast
The airport is on the Sydenham Bypass, only about five minutes by road from the centre of Belfast, near the Titanic Quarter and the city's business district. It is the closest Belfast airport to the centre, and a short road trip from the city puts you on the coast of County Down.
Private jet flight times from Belfast City
| To | Distance | Light jet | Midsize or heavy jet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris | 460 nm · 850 km | 1 hr 35 min | 1 hr 20 min |
| Geneva | 680 nm · 1,260 km | 2 hr 10 min | 1 hr 50 min |
| Nice | 830 nm · 1,540 km | 2 hr 40 min | 2 hr 15 min |
| Palma de Mallorca | 970 nm · 1,790 km | 3 hr | 2 hr 35 min |
| Málaga | 1,080 nm · 2,000 km | 3 hr 20 min | 2 hr 50 min |
| London | 280 nm · 520 km | 1 hr 05 min | 55 min |
Approximate airborne times in still air, worked out from the great-circle distance. Routing, winds and the aircraft chosen change them on the day; your quote gives the planned time for your flight.
Which aircraft?
Charter-A matches the aircraft to the runway, the number of passengers and how far you are flying. For UK and near-European sectors from Belfast City that usually means one of the turboprops, very light jets or light jets; longer flights and larger groups step up to midsize jets and heavy jets.
Belfast City: your questions answered
How far is George Best Belfast City Airport from the city centre?
About five minutes by road, so it is the city-centre option for Belfast. Charter-A can arrange a chauffeur or transfer with the flight, subject to availability, and confirm the details before you travel.
Is there a curfew at Belfast City Airport?
Yes. The airfield is open 0630 to 2130 and non-scheduled flights are not accepted after 2130. For late-evening private flights, we would normally look at Belfast International instead.
What aircraft can use Belfast City Airport?
The 1,829 metre runway suits turboprops, light business jets and larger executive aircraft subject to airport requirements, and only Chapter III noise-certified aircraft may operate. We confirm your aircraft before quoting.
How long is the flight from Belfast City to Paris by private jet?
About 1 hr 35 min in a light jet and 1 hr 20 min in a midsize or heavy jet, over roughly 460 nautical miles. These are approximate airborne times; routing and winds change them on the day.
Is there an airport guide for George Best Belfast City Airport I can download?
Yes. Charter-A’s airport information sheet for George Best Belfast City Airport is free to download from this page as a PDF. It sets out the runway, opening hours, customs, handling agents and where to arrive for a private flight.
Planning a private flight
- How much does it cost to charter a private jet?
- How much notice do you need to charter a private jet?
- How early do you arrive for a private jet, and is there security?
- Which size of private jet do I need?
- How much luggage can you take on a private jet?
- Can I take my dog on a private jet?
Private jet airports near Belfast City
- Private jet Belfast International EGAA · 14 miles
- Private jet City of Derry EGAE · 59 miles
- Private jet Isle of Man EGNS · 62 miles
- Private jet Islay EGPI · 75 miles
- Private jet Glasgow Prestwick EGPK · 80 miles
- Private jet Dublin EIDW · 84 miles
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