Parking at Belfast City Airport has undergone an overhaul with 10 minutes of free parking remaining, but not in its usual spot.
Those wanting to avail of the 10 minutes of free parking for dropping off or picking up must now go to the long stay car park and a new express drop off and pick up area is now in its place at a cost of £3.
Work has been ongoing at the George Best Belfast City Airport parking site for the past few months after bosses carried out a review of site access for motorists and pedestrians. The car park reconfiguration is the result of a £1.7m private investment by Belfast City Airport and its shareholders.
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The Long Stay Car Park, where you can now avail of 10 minutes of free parking for drop off and pick up, is located 306 yards from the terminal and can be reached in less than 5-10 minutes on foot.
Airport bosses said it is hoped the reconfiguration ensures improved traffic flow and access on site, and provides more choice for motorists when parking or picking up/dropping off passengers at the airport.
As a result of the works:
Ten minutes of free parking will remain available on site for those picking up or dropping off passengers. This area has relocated to the Long Stay Car Park
A new Express Drop Off and Pick Up area has been introduced for motorists planning to be on site for less than 10 minutes. From March 14 at 11am, the first 10 minutes will be charged at £3
A new access road, running parallel to the Sydenham Bypass, has been built to facilitate access to all car parks, drop off/pick up areas and car hire returns/collection
Pedestrian access to the site has been improved for those making use of public transport
- Blue Badge holders will still be able to avail of up to 2 hours free parking in our Short Stay Car Park for dropping off or picking up passengers
The new tariffs came into effect from 11am on Tuesday, March 14, and motorists are advised to follow new wayfinding signage on site.
Talking about the changes, Mark Beattie, Director of Operations at Belfast City Airport said: "The recent reconfiguration has enabled us to expand and improve our offering to motorists on site as well as improved access for pedestrians.
"We are one of the few airports in the UK to still offer 10 minutes of free parking on site and this area has simply moved to the Long Stay Car Park.
"Belfast City Airport has one of the shortest car-to-gate distances in Europe meaning the terminal is just a short walk from the Long Stay Car Park."
On their website, the airport states the reconfiguration does not introduce any additional parking spaces but instead "focuses on an enhanced offering for users and an improved traffic flow on-site". It adds the site is now capable of future development and additional capacity if required.
Has access to the car parks changed?
Addressing this on their website, the airport said all car park users will enter through the main airport gates. All motorists will now follow the signage to drive along the new access road that runs parallel to the Sydenham Bypass. From here access leads to the Short Stay Car Park; Express Drop Off and Pick Up; Premier Car Park; Long Stay Car Park; and Car Hire collection/return.
It states exits from all areas in both the Bangor and Belfast directions are well signed.
Where should I park when I go to the Airport?
The airport states in the FAQs on their website:
- The Long Stay Car Park remains the best value option for those parking their car for 4 plus days. Motorists can now avail of 10 minutes free parking in the Long Stay Car Park for picking up and dropping off passengers. This car park has not moved but now allows motorists 10 minutes of free parking for pick ups or drop offs.
- An Express Drop Off and Pick Up Area has been introduced for motorists who will be here for less than 10 minutes and who don’t intend on going into the terminal building. A minimum charge of £3.00 applies for the first 10 minutes.
- The Short Stay Car Park is the best location for motorists wishing to park and go into the terminal building to pick up or drop off friends or family; and also passengers intending to leave their car for up to 1-3 days.
- Premier Car Park remains unchanged, offering passengers 2 complimentary fast track security passes with every booking.
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