Northern Ireland’s second busiest airport has experienced the most difficult year in its history with the loss of biggest customer, Flybe, followed by the impact of the disastrous COVID-19 pandemic. Declan Hasson reflects upon George Best Belfast City, its recent challenges and how the unique ‘downtown’ facility is fighting back once again
This Railway Air Services de Havilland D.H.86 is pictured on the opening day of Belfast Harbour Airport in March 1938 Northern Ireland Public Record Office/ Guy Warner
In World War Two, the airport was taken over by the military, subsequently becoming RAF Belfast. During this time, locally based Short Brothers built 133 examples of the Sunderland flying boat at the site AirTeamImages.com/ ATI Collection
Civil aviation in Northern Ireland owes much of its origins to Lord Londonderry, who was the Secretary of State for Air at Westminster between 1931 and 1935.
