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Main Terminal Building - Arrivals

George Best Belfast City Airport, Airport Road, Belfast, BT3 9JH

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The airport is conveniently located on the A2 Sydenham Bypass road between Belfast and Holywood, just 5 minutes outside of Belfast’s bustling city centre.
    • Those approaching Belfast from the South on the M1 or from the North on the M2 should follow the signs to Belfast City Airport, leading to the A2 Sydenham Bypass via the M3.
    • Postcode for satellite navigation: BT3 9JH.
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
    • Belfast City Airport has a designated Airport Express 600 Service with buses every 30 minutes at peak times from the front of the terminal building to the centre of town. The journey only takes around 10 minutes.
    • Airport Express 600 Service (Belfast City Centre – George Best Belfast City Airport). Tickets are available from the tourist information desk in arrivals or from the driver.
    • For more information on buses to the airport please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
    • The nearest Railway Station is Sydenham.
    • Translink operates NIRailways train services across Northern Ireland.
    • When travelling to the airport by train, you'll want to disembark at Sydenham Station.
    • When travelling from the airport, board the train at Sydenham Station and travel to either Belfast Central Station or Great Victoria Street Station, which are both just a convenient 5-10 minute journey away.
    • From either of these train stations, you can then make onwards connections to various popular locations across Northern Ireland and even down into the South of Ireland. Train services depart from Sydenham Station regularly during peak times.
    • Please note - there is a footbridge which passengers must cross either going to or coming from Sydenham Station. Therefore, the airport advise passengers against this transport option if they have reduced mobility or experience difficulty when using steps.
    • For your convenience, the airport operates a FREE shuttle bus service between the airport terminal and Sydenham Station. Should you require the shuttle service from the airport to the rail halt, please go to the Airport Parking Services desk on arrival with your request. A member of our team will signal the shuttle bus to collect you from the front of terminal.
    • Should you require the service from the train station to the airport terminal, there is a telephone located on the airport side at the railway halt. Use this freephone service to dial: 07701 281 835 and request the shuttle service.
    • For more information on trains to the airport please click here (opens new tab).

Getting Help and Assistance

  • For information about assisted travel at the airport please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact Assisted Travel Team.
  • There is a portable hearing loop available, which can be used by passengers when using the airport.
    If you wish to use the portable hearing loop please either contact the airport in advance or go to the assisted travel counter in the main terminal building.
  • There is a changing places facility located next to the Check-in Desks.
  • Autism in the Air: a step-by-step guide to airport travel (youtube.com).

Entrance (Baggage Reclaim to Arrivals)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of belt 2.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.

Arrivals

  • There is step-free access throughout the arrivals hall.
  • Circulation View
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • There is designated seating available for people with reduced mobility.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Information View
    • Departures and arrivals information boards are available.
    • There are not audible announcements in this area.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

Counter (Visit Belfast)

  • The counter is located at the centre of the terminal building.
  • There is step-free access to the counter.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
  • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
  • The lighting levels at the counter are moderate to good.
  • The height of the counter is high (95cm - 110cm).
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is a lowered section of the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 72cm.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.

Car Rental Desk(s)

  • The car rental desk(s) is/are clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access to the car rental desk(s).
  • There is step free access to car rental desk(s) all.
  • The height of the car rental desk(s) is/are very high (111cm+).
  • There is not a lowered section at the car rental desk(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the car rental desk(s).

Passenger Services (Assisted Travel)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located to the left as you enter.
    • The counter is approximately 12m (39ft) from the main entrance.
    • Clear signage for the counter is visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • The height of the counter is very high (111cm+) .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 75cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the counter.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided near the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the counter.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed .
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There is a 113cm high telephone located to the left of the desk at the lowered section to call for assistance.

Shop(s) (WHSmith)

  • Shop Entrance View
    • ahead of the main entrance, to the left of the departures entrance.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
    • There are no doors leading into the shop(s).
  • Till Point(s) View
    • There is step free access to the till point(s).
    • The nearest till point is/are approximately 1m from the shop entrance.
    • The till point(s) is/are clearly signed.
    • The height of the till point is 105cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the till point .
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the till point(s).
    • There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till point(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The till point(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.

Room(s) (Multi Faith Quiet Room)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was the Multi Faith Quiet Room.
    • The Multi Faith Quiet Room is located next to the Airport Parking Services counter.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • There is written signage for the room, in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Room Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single.
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Changing Places (Main Terminal Building - Check-In Desks - Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and Access View
    • The facility is located at the rear of the terminal building, next to the check-in desks.
    • The facility is approximately 60m (196ft) from the main entrance.
    • The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
    • The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
    • There is level access to the facility.
    • The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the passenger assistance counter.
    • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The width of the door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 315cm x 300cm.
    • The ceiling height is at a minimum of 2.4m.
    • There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • Toilet Details View
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 160cm (5ft 2in).
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • Dropdown rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There are no vertical grab rails for the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a spatula flush.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 190cm (6ft 2in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is not a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
  • Other Facilities View
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm .
    • Wide tear off paper roll is not available.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 88cm .
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
    • There is not a coat hook.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is also a separate free standing changing bed available which is 180cm long.

Toilet with Adaptations (Main Terminal Building - Near to Car Rental Desks - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located near to the car rental desks.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 50m (164ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is low.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 190cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 88cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s) (Main Terminal Building - Near to Car Rental Desks)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located near to the car rental desks.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Exit

  • Exit View
    • This information is for the exit located to the left of the car rental desks.
    • The exit area/door is clearly signed internally.
    • The exit is step-free.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this exit.
    • The exit door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 175cm.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 165cm.

Related Access Guides (Parking, Buses, Taxis and Car Hire)

Autism In The Air