George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD), located just 3 miles from Belfast city center, is Northern Ireland’s second-busiest airport, serving over 2.5 million passengers annually. Known for its short car-to-gate distance, BHD offers convenient options for dropping off passengers and parking for holidays. The airport’s official parking is managed by Belfast City Airport, but off-site providers like JustPark and Airparks offer additional choices. Recent changes, including a £4 drop-off charge and strict no-stopping zone fines, have sparked controversy among drivers. This comprehensive guide details the process of dropping off passengers, parking options for holidays of varying lengths (short breaks, week-long trips, and extended vacations), all parking companies, recent fines and warnings, and pros and cons of each provider in 2025.

Dropping Off Passengers at Belfast City Airport

Dropping off passengers at BHD is designed for speed and convenience, with options including the Express Drop Off and Pick Up Area, Short Stay Car Park, and Long Stay Car Park (offering 10 minutes free). These are managed by Belfast City Airport, with enforcement by Vehicle Control Services Limited (VCS). Off-site providers are less common for drop-offs due to their distance from the terminal. Below is a detailed guide, incorporating recent fines and warnings.

Express Drop Off and Pick Up Area

• Location: Less than 3 minutes’ walk from the terminal, directly outside the departures area.

• Cost (2025): £4 for up to 10 minutes (increased from £3 in 2023). Additional charges:

  • 10–30 minutes: £7

  • 30–60 minutes: £12

  • Over 1 hour: Rates escalate (e.g., £20–£50 depending on duration).

• Payment: Pay at exit barriers or pay stations using coins, credit/debit cards, or contactless. No change given.

• Process:

  1. Drive to the Express Drop Off Area via the A2 Sydenham Bypass (Sat Nav: BT3 9JH).

  2. Take a ticket at the entry barrier (Automatic Number Plate Recognition, ANPR, tracks stay).

  3. Drop off within 10 minutes to avoid higher fees.

  4. Pay at the exit barrier or terminal pay station.

• Accessibility: Two accessible waiting areas with Assistance Points for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM). Press the green button for help.

• Why Use It: Fastest option for quick drop-offs, ideal for those prioritizing proximity.

Short Stay Car Park

• Location: 1-minute walk to the terminal, closest parking option.

• Cost (2025 Drive-Up Rates):

  • Up to 30 minutes: £3.50

  • 30–60 minutes: £7

  • 1–2 hours: £12

  • 24 hours: £45

  • Pre-booked: ~£8–£12/day, saving up to 70%.

• Payment: Pay at pay stations or exit barriers (cash, card, contactless). ANPR for pre-booked customers.

• Process:

  1. Enter the Short Stay Car Park, following signage from the A2.

  2. Park in any space (extra-wide Blue Badge spaces available).

  3. Escort passengers to the terminal or greet arrivals.

  4. Pay before exiting or scan QR code for pre-booked entry/exit.

• Accessibility: Free for Blue Badge holders for up to 2 hours for drop-offs/pick-ups (validate with Blue Badge at car park office).

• Why Use It: Ideal for longer farewells or picking up arrivals, with EV charging (12 bays).

Long Stay Car Park

• Location: 306 yards (5–10 minute walk) from the terminal, no shuttle required.

• Cost (2025 Drive-Up Rates):

  • Up to 10 minutes: Free

  • 10–30 minutes: £3.50

  • 24 hours: £35

  • Pre-booked: ~£7–£10/day.

• Payment: Pay at exit barriers or pay stations (cash, card, contactless). ANPR tracks stay.

• Process:

  1. Enter the Long Stay Car Park via A2 signage.

  2. Park and drop off within 10 minutes to avoid charges.

  3. Walk to the terminal (no shuttle service).

• Accessibility: Blue Badge spaces near the entrance; leave a copy of the badge on display.

• Why Use It: Free for quick drop-offs, cost-effective for budget-conscious drivers.

Recent Fines and Warnings

Belfast City Airport has faced criticism in 2025 for issuing £100 fines (reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days) for stopping in no-stopping zones, enforced by VCS using cameras. Key details:

• Issue: Drivers stopping outside the Express Drop Off Area or on roadsides face fines, even briefly. Former DUP Special Advisor Tim Cairns highlighted this on social media, claiming inadequate signage and late fine notifications, preventing the discounted payment option.

• Airport Response: BHD states that ~60 signs are displayed across the site, warning of penalties for stopping in no-stopping zones. These zones are enforced to ensure safety and prevent congestion, particularly for emergency vehicle access. Free 10-minute parking in the Long Stay Car Park is promoted as an alternative.

• Public Sentiment: Complaints on platforms like MoneySavingExpert and social media describe the fines as “underhanded” and signage as insufficient, with some drivers unaware until receiving a fine. VCS’s enforcement is criticized as aggressive, with calls to ignore private Parking Charge Notices (PCNs) in Northern Ireland, though formal complaints to VCS and DVLA are recommended.

• Signage Improvements: Following advocacy from Kate Nicholl in July 2024, BHD ordered clearer signage for the free 10-minute Long Stay drop-off, installed by August 2024.

Accessibility for Drop-Offs

• Blue Badge Holders: Free 2-hour parking in Short Stay for drop-offs/pick-ups (validate at car park office). Long Stay offers Blue Badge spaces; display a copy of the badge.

• PRM Assist: Book Special Assistance 48 hours in advance via the PRM Assist app or airline for terminal navigation support. Assistance Points are available at all car parks.

• Tips: Avoid no-stopping zones to prevent £100 fines. Pre-book Special Assistance for seamless access.

Tips for Dropping Off Passengers

1. Use Free Parking: Opt for the Long Stay Car Park’s 10-minute free period to avoid the £4 Express Drop Off fee.

2. Follow Signage: Heed ~60 no-stopping zone signs to avoid £100 fines (or £60 if paid within 14 days).

3. Have Payment Ready: Carry coins or a card for quick payments at barriers.

4. Plan for Delays: Allow extra time for payment queues at the Express Drop Off Area, as noted by taxi drivers.

5. Check for Scams: Avoid QR code scams on pay machines; use the RingGo app or official pay stations.

Parking at Belfast City Airport for Holidays

For holidaymakers parking at BHD, the airport offers Short Stay, Premier, and Long Stay Car Parks, all managed by Belfast City Airport. Off-site options via JustPark and Airparks provide additional choices, often at lower rates. Below, we detail each provider’s offerings, costs, pros, cons, and suitability for short breaks (1–3 days), week-long holidays (7 days), and extended vacations (14+ days), incorporating recent fines and warnings.

1. Belfast City Airport (Official On-Site Parking)

Belfast City Airport operates three on-site car parks: Short Stay, Premier, and Long Stay, all within walking distance (1–10 minutes) and ParkMark accredited for security.

Short Stay Car Park

• Location: 1-minute walk to the terminal.

• Cost (2025 Drive-Up Rates):

  • Up to 30 minutes: £3.50

  • 24 hours: £45

  • 3 days: ~£135

  • 7 days: ~£250

  • Pre-booked: ~£8–£12/day (e.g., £53.99 for 4 days via SkyParkSecure).

• Features:

  • ANPR for pre-booked customers.

  • 12 EV charging bays (6 standard, 1 rapid).

  • Blue Badge spaces (free for 2 hours for drop-offs/pick-ups).

  • CCTV, patrols, ParkMark accredited.

• Pros:

  • Closest to terminal, ideal for quick access.

  • Secure with EV charging and accessibility options.

  • Pre-booking saves up to 70%.

• Cons:

  • Expensive drive-up rates (£135 for 3 days, £250 for 7 days).

  • Limited spaces; pre-booking essential during peak times.

  • Recent £100 fines for no-stopping zones may deter drivers.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Best for convenience (~£24–£36 pre-booked).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Less cost-effective; Long Stay is cheaper.

  • Extended (14+ days): Not recommended due to high costs.

Premier Car Park

• Location: 2–3 minute walk to the terminal.

• Cost (2025 Drive-Up Rates):

  • 24 hours: £40

  • 3 days: ~£120

  • 7 days: ~£200

  • Pre-booked: ~£99.99 for 7 days (‘For the Family’ offer).

• Features:

  • Covered and uncovered spaces, ANPR, CCTV, ParkMark accredited.

  • Blue Badge spaces available.

• Pros:

  • Slightly cheaper than Short Stay, still close to terminal.

  • Pre-booking offers significant savings (e.g., £99.99 for 7 days).

  • Secure with self-park policy.

• Cons:

  • Drive-up rates high (£120 for 3 days).

  • Less convenient than Short Stay for quick trips.

  • Subject to no-stopping zone fines on approach roads.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Good if pre-booked (~£30–£50).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Viable with ‘For the Family’ deal (~£99.99).

  • Extended (14+ days): Less economical than Long Stay.

Long Stay Car Park

• Location: 5–10 minute walk (306 yards), no shuttle required.

• Cost (2025 Drive-Up Rates):

  • 10 minutes: Free

  • 24 hours: £35

  • 3 days: ~£90

  • 7 days: ~£99–£120

  • 14 days: ~£150–£180

  • Pre-booked: ~£7–£10/day.

• Features:

  • ANPR, CCTV, ParkMark accredited.

  • Blue Badge spaces; display badge copy.

  • Extra-wide bays for accessibility.

• Pros:

  • Most cost-effective for longer stays (~£7–£10/day pre-booked).

  • Free 10-minute drop-off period.

  • Secure with self-park policy.

• Cons:

  • Longer walk (5–10 minutes) may be inconvenient with heavy luggage.

  • No shuttle service, unlike off-site options.

  • No-stopping zone fines apply on approach roads.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Viable if pre-booked (~£21–£30).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Excellent value (~£99–£120).

  • Extended (14+ days): Highly recommended (~£150–£180).

2. JustPark

• Location: Off-site, various locations (e.g., private driveways, council car parks) within 1–5 miles of BHD. Typically 5–15 minute drive or public transport to terminal.

• Cost (2025):

  • Per day: ~£4.30–£7

  • 3 days: ~£13–£21

  • 7 days: ~£30–£50

  • 14 days: ~£60–£100

• Features:

  • Bookable via www.justpark.com.

  • Options include private driveways, council car parks, and commercial lots.

  • Blue Badge spaces available at select locations.

  • No shuttle; use public transport or taxis to terminal.

• Pros:

  • Cheapest option (~£4.30/day).

  • Over 580 reservable spaces near BHD.

  • Flexible booking (hourly, daily, monthly).

  • Avoids airport’s no-stopping zone fines.

• Cons:

  • No shuttle; requires additional transport (e.g., £3–£4 bus from Antrim station).

  • Variable security (not all spaces are ParkMark accredited).

  • Farther from terminal, less convenient.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Good for budget travelers (~£13–£21).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Highly cost-effective (~£30–£50).

  • Extended (14+ days): Best for long-term savings (~£60–£100).

• Contact: www.justpark.com.

3. Airparks

• Location: Off-site, typically 5–10 minute drive from BHD, with shuttle or taxi transfers.

• Cost (2025):

  • Per day: ~£7.49

  • 3 days: ~£22–£30

  • 7 days: ~£50–£70

  • 14 days: ~£90–£120

• Features:

  • Bookable via www.airparks.co.uk.

  • Secure, ParkMark-accredited car parks.

  • No shuttle; arrange taxi or public transport to terminal.

  • 100% credit for cancellations (within 3 years, less £10 fee).

• Pros:

  • Competitive pricing (~£7.49/day).

  • Secure with ParkMark accreditation.

  • Flexible cancellation policy.

• Cons:

  • No shuttle service, increasing transfer costs/time.

  • Farther from terminal than on-site options.

  • Limited availability compared to JustPark.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Viable (~£22–£30).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Good value (~£50–£70).

  • Extended (14+ days): Cost-effective (~£90–£120).

• Contact: www.airparks.co.uk.

Meet and Greet Services (Offered by Belfast City Airport, Third Parties via SkyParkSecure)

• Location: Drop off at the terminal; staff park in secure on-site or off-site lots.

• Cost (2025):

  • 3 days: ~£30–£50

  • 7 days: ~£60–£80

  • 14 days: ~£100–£130

• Features:

  • Valet service, ParkMark accredited.

  • Pre-book via www.belfastcityairport.com or www.skyparksecure.com.

• Pros:

  • Most convenient; no parking or transfers required.

  • Secure with CCTV and patrols.

• Cons:

  • More expensive than standard parking.

  • Limited availability; book early.

  • Risk of fines if dropping off outside designated areas.

• Suitability:

  • Short Breaks (1–3 days): Premium choice (~£30–£50).

  • Week-Long (7 days): Viable for convenience (~£60–£80).

  • Extended (14+ days): Less economical (~£100–£130).

Recent Fines and Warnings (2025)

• No-Stopping Zone Fines: Since January 2025, BHD has enforced £100 fines (£60 if paid within 14 days) for stopping in no-stopping zones, managed by VCS. Approximately 60 signs warn of penalties, but drivers like Tim Cairns report insufficient visibility and late notifications, missing the discounted payment window. Fines are issued via cameras, with VCS obtaining driver details from the DVLA.

• Criticism: Social media and forums like MoneySavingExpert criticize the fines as a “scam,” alleging covert cameras and aggressive enforcement. Advice includes ignoring private PCNs in Northern Ireland but filing complaints with VCS and DVLA for non-compliance with the Private Parking Sector Code of Practice (PPSCoP).

• Airport Defense: BHD emphasizes safety, stating that no-stopping zones prevent hazards and ensure emergency access. The free 10-minute Long Stay option is highlighted as an alternative.

• Signage Improvements: Following advocacy in July 2024, clearer signage for the free Long Stay drop-off was installed by August 2024.

• Taxi Driver Concerns: The £4 drop-off fee (up from £3 in 2023) is criticized as excessive, with drivers passing costs to customers. The Long Stay’s distance (306 yards) is deemed impractical for quick drop-offs.

Recommendations for Different Holiday Lengths

• Short Breaks (1–3 days):

  • Best Options: Short Stay (pre-booked, ~£24–£36); JustPark (~£13–£21); Airparks (~£22–£30).

  • Why: Short Stay offers unmatched convenience (1-minute walk). JustPark is cheapest but requires transport to the terminal. Meet and Greet is a premium alternative.

  • Tip: Pre-book Short Stay to avoid £135 drive-up rates. Compare JustPark/Airparks on www.skyparksecure.com.

• Week-Long Holidays (7 days):

  • Best Options: Long Stay (~£99–£120); Premier (‘For the Family’, ~£99.99); JustPark (~£30–£50); Airparks (~£50–£70).

  • Why: Long Stay and Premier offer good value and proximity. JustPark is the cheapest but less convenient. Airparks balances cost and security.

  • Tip: Book 7+ days in advance for discounts. Check www.airparks.co.uk for deals.

• Extended Vacations (14+ days):

  • Best Options: Long Stay (~£150–£180); JustPark (~£60–£100); Airparks (~£90–£120).

  • Why: Long Stay is cost-effective and secure. JustPark offers the lowest rates but requires planning for transfers. Airparks is reliable for long stays.

  • Tip: Compare prices on www.weather2travel.com or www.promocodesfor.co.uk.

Accessibility for Parking

• Blue Badge Holders: Free 2-hour parking in Short Stay for drop-offs/pick-ups (validate at car park office). All car parks (Short Stay, Premier, Long Stay) offer Blue Badge spaces; display a badge copy. JustPark provides Blue Badge spaces at select locations.

• PRM Assist: Book 48 hours in advance via the PRM Assist app or airline for terminal assistance. Assistance Points are available at all on-site car parks.

• EV Charging: Short Stay offers 12 EV charging bays (6 standard, 1 rapid). Check with JustPark/Airparks for off-site EV options.

Pros and Cons Comparison of Parking Companies

Tips for Parking at Belfast City Airport

1. Pre-Book for Savings: Book 4–7 days in advance via www.belfastcityairport.com, www.justpark.com, or www.airparks.co.uk to save up to 70%.

2. Avoid No-Stopping Zones: Heed ~60 signs to avoid £100 fines (£60 if paid within 14 days). Use Long Stay for free drop-offs.

3. Compare Providers: Use www.skyparksecure.com or www.weather2travel.com to compare deals across all providers.

4. Check Cancellation Policies: Opt for flexible bookings (e.g., Airparks, Belfast City Airport) for free amendments/cancellations up to 2 hours before arrival.

5. Plan Transfers for Off-Site: Budget £3–£4 for bus/taxi from JustPark/Airparks locations. Antrim station parking is free with a £3–£4 bus ride.

6. Verify Security: Choose ParkMark-accredited car parks (Belfast City Airport, Airparks) for safety.

7. Avoid QR Code Scams: Use RingGo app or official pay stations; report scam QR codes to parking@belfastcity.gov.uk.

Contact Information

• Belfast City Airport Parking Office:

  • Phone: +44 (0)28 9093 9093

  • Email: Via www.belfastcityairport.com/contactus

  • Address: Belfast City Airport, Belfast, BT3 9JH

• JustPark:

  • Website: www.justpark.com

• Airparks:

  • Website: www.airparks.co.uk

• Vehicle Control Services (VCS) for Fines:

  • Contact: Details on PCN notice

  • Complaints: File via VCS website or DVLA for PPSCoP breaches.

• Special Assistance (PRM Assist):

  • Book via PRM Assist app or airline

  • Website: www.belfastcityairport.com/special-assistance