Operating to Belfast Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open 2017

Operating to Belfast Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open 2017: The Dubai Duty-Free Irish Open 2017 gets underway at Portstewart Golf Club from July 6-9 with three weeks of links golf culminating in the Open Championship. Portstewart is approximately a 90-minutes car journey from both of Belfast’s airports. Here’s what you need to know to plan an operation to Belfast.

George Best Belfast City Airport 

• IATA code: BHD
• ICAO code: EGAC
• Latitude/ longitude: 54 37 5N / 5 52 20W
• Elevation: 15 feet
• Fuel types: Jet A1, AVGAS

Operational Information 

• Private flights do not require overflight and landing permits if operators are of ICAO member states and possess a standard airworthiness certificate
• Landing permits are not required for non-scheduled flights, however, landing rights are necessary (CIQ, parking, handling must be confirmed in advance)
• Limited standard operating hours are 0530-2030Z daily though extensions are possible with prior coordination and sufficient notice
• There are no parking restrictions, however, during special events in Belfast city parking is limited – Dublin is the best alternate choice with good train and motorway links
• Fuel uplifts are provided via fuel truck/tanker. Hydrant stands are not currently available
• EGAC is located to the south-east of the city
• Currently, no passenger taxes are charged at EGAC as an incentive to operators

Belfast Aldergrove Airport

• IATA code: BFS
• ICAO code: EGAA
• Latitude/ longitude: 54 39 26N / 6 12 56W
• Elevation: 268 feet
• Fuel types: Jet A1, AVGAS

Operational Information 

• Private flights do not require overflight and landing permits if operators are of ICAO member states and possess a standard airworthiness certificate
• Landing permits are not required for non-scheduled flights, however, landing rights are necessary (CIQ, parking, handling must be confirmed in advance)
• Open 24 hours daily with landing rights confirmation
• There are no parking restrictions, however, during special events in Belfast city parking is limited – Dublin is the best alternate choice with good train and motorway links
• Fuel uplifts are provided via fuel truck/tanker. Hydrant stands are not currently available
• EGAA is located west of the city

Immigration

Non-EU passengers and crew

• UK Visa required prior to travel
• Customs clearance check mandatory

EU passengers and crew 

• Customs clearance only
• No special immigration procedures or checks are usually necessary

Customs

• To see your exact quota of duty-free allowances, check out this link: https://www.gov.uk/duty-free-goods/banned-and-restricted-goods
• Personal food, plants, and animals import restrictions are available in full through this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/personal-food-plant-and-animal-product-imports
• The next destination of the aircraft will have a big influence on export restrictions and regulations so it’s recommended to research this depending on your flight plan.
• We recommend you visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/policies/export-controls
• To see your duty-free allowances, check out this link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/exporting-goods-from-the-eu-to-a-third-country-outside-the-eu.

Accommodation

Close to Belfast City Airport: 

• Ramada Encore Belfast City Center
• Park Avenue Hotel
• Premier Inn Belfast Titanic Quarter Hotel
• Hermitage Lodge

Close to Belfast Aldergrove: 

• Holiday Inn Belfast City Center
• Maldron Hotel Belfast
• Ballyrobin Country Lodge
• Stable Court Lodging
• Dunadry Hotel

In the city center:

• Premier Inn BEflast City Center (Alfred Street)
• Ten Square
• Travelodge Belfast Central
• The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast

Ground Transport

• Belfast airports are served with good options for public transport, including bus, rail, and taxis
• Car rental companies operate from both Belfast airports but their stocks are quite limited

For more information or assistance, contact dxb@uas.aero