The larger of the city's airports, Belfast International Airport served about five million passengers in 2006. There has been an airport on the site since 1917 when the area, Aldergrove, was chosen as the Royal Flying Corps training establishment during World War One. Currently, 12 airlines fly from Belfast International, to destinations in the UK, Europe and North America.
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Rail: The nearest railway station is 6 miles from the airport in Antrim, and is serviced by a bus link called the Antrim Airlink, which departs from in front of the terminal building, Monday-Friday only. Information on rail travel can be obtained by contacting Translink (tel: +44 (0)28 9024 6485 or 906 6663; Web site: www.translink.co.uk).
Taxi: International Airport Taxis Company taxis (tel: +44 (0)28 9448 4353) leave from outside the terminal building.
Bus: An Airbus (tel: +44 (0)28 9066 6630; Web site: www.translink.co.uk) service operates between the airport and Belfast city centre. The bus departs from the front of the terminal building and travels to Glengall street bus station; stopping at Templepatrick on request.
Coach: A service operated by Airporter (tel: +44 (0)28 7126 9996; Web site:
www.airporter.co.uk) is also available to Derry/Londonderry.
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All parking lots are situated within walking distance of the passenger terminal. The short-term lot is located closest to the terminal entrance. The long-term lot is recommended for people traveling for more than four days. For more parking information, visit the airport’s Web site or call BCP (tel: 0870 013 4747 or 0870 013 4580; Web site: www.bpconline.co.uk).
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Money and communications: There are bureau de change and several ATMs throughout the terminal building. There are also postal facilities, telephones and Internet kiosks.
Eating and drinking: There is a café and bar in the main Departures lounge and a full range of food outlets in the food court.
Shopping: Shops include newsstands/bookshops, duty-free, a tax-free electronics store and a gift shop selling Irish gifts.
Other facilities: These include a children’s play area, baby change facilities, a travel agency and a quiet room.
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The Fitzwilliam International Hotel (tel: +44 (0)28 9442 7000; Web site: www.fitzwilliaminternational.com) is situated within walking distance of the main passenger terminal. The Dunadry Hotel and Country Club (tel: +44 (0)28 9443 4343) is a short drive from the airport and provides meeting rooms and conference facilities. Details of other hotels in the surrounding area can be obtained by contacting the Belfast Welcome Center (tel: +44 (0)28 9024 6609), which also provides a booking service for a small fee.
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Wheelchairs are available from individual airlines, as well as from airport staff until check-in. Passengers are however advised to book a wheelchair in advance from the airline when purchasing a ticket. Disabled toilets and telephones are also available. There is a Minicom unit at the airport information desk. Disabled parking is available in the airport car parks; porters are on hand to assist with baggage. Staff at the airport information desk are trained in basic sign language and can provide assistance to passengers with special needs.
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The Business Lounge offers extensive business facilities, including Internet access, fax and photocopying facilities, television, newspapers and magazines, and refreshments. The lounge is available to any passenger using the airport. Ten conference and banqueting suites are also available at the Fitzwilliam International Hotel (tel: +44 (0)28 9445 7000).
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