A hugely anticipated event in the global golf calendar, The Open Championship gets underway from July 17–20 at Royal Portrush, County Antrim in Northern Ireland.

The 153rd Open is set to attract tens of thousands of international spectators throughout the week.

Those planning flight operations to The Open 2025 should consider the two main access airports, Belfast International Airport and George Best Belfast City Airport.

Belfast International Airport

IATA: BFS

ICAO: EGAA

Coordinates: 54 39 26N / 6 12 56W

Elevation: 82m

Fuel types: Jet A1, AVGAS

Time zone: GMT +1 (summertime)

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 parking is limited – Dublin is the best alternative with good train and motorway links

Fuel uplifts are provided via fuel truck/tanker

EGAA is approximately a 45-minute drive from Portrush (traffic permitting)

George Best Belfast City Airport

IATA code: BHD

ICAO code: EGAC

Coordinates: 54 39 26N / 6 12 56W

Elevation: 5m

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 but 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

Parking will be restricted during special events (such as the British Open) – Dublin is a good alternate choice with good train and motorway links

Fuel uplifts are provided via fuel truck/tanker

Other alternative airports include:

City of Derry Airport (LDY/EGAE) is located 27 miles from Portrush

Dublin International Airport (EIDW/DUB) is located 157 miles from Royal Portrush (a 150-minute drive)

Visit the official event website for The Open 2025 here.

For more operational advice, visit UAS Blog.

For support with your flight operations to The Open 2025, contact UAS