Newtownards Airport (Ards Aerodrome) (EGAD)

Prior permissionPPR is required here. A filed flight plan does not count as permission to use the airfield, so ask the airport first.

Airfield Status

For turboprops and air taxis near Belfast, Newtownards Airport (Ards Aerodrome) is worth a look. Runway: 03/21 – 790 m × 18 m asphalt; two shorter asphalt runways. Customs is by arrangement, so ask for it when you ask for permission. Prior permission (PPR) is required.

Runway: 03/21 – 790 m × 18 m asphalt; two shorter asphalt runways
Customs & immigration: By arrangement / prior notice
Business jets: No – 790 m × 18 m runway, VFR only
Opening hours: Open 7 days a week 09:00–17:00; and by arrangement
Prior permission (PPR): Required
Telephone: 028 9181 3327

Hours are as the airport publishes them, and we last checked on 29 Sep 2026. They do change, so ring the airport or ask your operator before you set off. Source

Weather now

Live conditions at Newtownards Airport (Ards Aerodrome), updated every few minutes: the latest report, a plain-English version, the pilot view, and the next 24 hours.

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Arrival Protocol

Ards Aerodrome, 61 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, County Down, BT23 8SG. The nearest major city is Belfast.

The directions button takes you to the airport's spot on the map.

Ground Movement: journey times to the airport

By road from the middle of each city, without traffic. Allow extra at busy times and for the final approach to the aviation terminal.

From	Drive	Distance
Belfast	25 min	14 mi · 22 km
Douglas	1 hr	35 mi · 57 km
Derry-Londonderry city	1 hr 50 min	84 mi · 135 km

Routes: OSRM, with map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

Handling & FBO

Ulster Flying Club (aerodrome operator)

These are the handling companies the airport lists for private and business aircraft.

See the full handling and FBO page, or download the directions PDF.

Operational Notes

Flying-club clubhouse; Jet A-1 (bowser) and Avgas; hangar space subject to availability.

PPR required for all visiting aircraft. Short, narrow runway – suited to Islander and PC-12-class air-taxi aircraft rather than larger turboprops; confirmed with the operator per flight.