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Getting Around Belfast: Guide to Public Transportation

 William Murphy/Flickr ( CC BY-SA 2.0 )

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is a relatively compact city that is easy to navigate on foot or bicycle. For those who want to explore the further corners of the city or use Belfast as a base to reach other parts of Northern Ireland, the city also has a public transportation system managed by Translink.

Locals tend to rely on cars to get around Belfast, but it is not necessarily worth it to rent a car if you plan to stick to the downtown area. Dealing with traffic and parking tend to outweigh the perks of having a car for a short time in the city.

Within the city center, buses are the most common form of public transportation, and this guide will show you how to get the most out of riding the bus in Belfast. Plus, find tips on using Northern Ireland’s train system, getting to and from the airport, and the best ways to navigate the city to save time and money.

How to Use Metro Buses in Belfast

The public bus service in Belfast is known as Translink Metro. However, don’t let the name fool you into thinking there is a subway service in the city; “metro” refers only to the above-ground buses. The bright, pink-colored buses are both single and double-decker. If you plan to travel outside of the Belfast area, these buses are managed by Ulsterbus .

The Metro buses run regularly and the most central bus stops can be found at the Europa bus station. The buses follow 12 different routes, and the Translink website has a modern journey planner to help you find the best travel options.

The standard cost of a one-time use ticket is 2.10 pounds, but there are travel passes available if you plan to take the Metro bus regularly during your time in Belfast. Some options for tickets include:

• Metro City Zone: 2.10 pounds
• Metro Daylink (for unlimited day travel): 3 pounds off-peak / 3.50 pounds at peak
• Metro Weekly Travel Smartcards: 15 pounds
• Metro Monthly Travel Smartcards: 55 pounds

You can purchase single tickets on board from the driver if you have cash. If you prefer to buy tickets ahead of time or want to purchase a travel card, the best places to purchase these in the city center are from the Metro Kiosk in Donegall Square West or at Visit Belfast Centre in Donegall Square North.

Most of the buses in Northern Ireland are accessible, but Translink provides a full accessibility guide to assist you in planning your trip.

You can use the trip planner on the Translink website to map your route and check the timetables for expected arrivals and departures. The website also has more information about purchasing tickets online whenever possible.

Taking Northern Ireland Railways

Belfast is also served by a series of trains which are managed by Translink , and which run to the major city suburbs and other Northern Ireland destinations. If you plan to take the train between Northern Ireland and Dublin, you will need to check the timetables and service information of Enterprise Train – a joint venture between Translink and Irish Rail. The trains depart every two hours.

Airport Shuttles

While Dublin is the busier airport, Belfast has its own transit hub known as the Belfast International Airport (BFS). The airport is located about 20 miles outside of the city but is well connected by the Airport Express 300 bu s. The buses leave every 15 minutes during peak hours and operate 7 days a week. Timetables can be found on the Translink website, and tickets can be purchased for 8 pounds (single) or 11.50 pounds (return).

If you prefer to take a taxi, you can book ahead by calling the Belfast International Airport Taxi Company (+44 (0)28 9448 4353). Taxis are also almost always available in the official taxi rank outside. The fares will be according to the meter, and a sample list of current fares is always posted inside the airport terminal.

The much smaller George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is located just over a mile from the city center. It is served by regular Metro bus connections and tickets cost 2.60 pounds for the eight-minute journey. If you prefer to take the train, walk over the footbridge to Sydenham train station and take the next train to Belfast Central Station. Tickets are 2 pounds and can be purchased from machines inside the station.

If you plan to travel to Belfast from Dublin Airport , there are direct buses that depart the Irish capital for Northern Ireland. There is no need to travel into the Dublin City center to catch the bus to Belfast, simply check the timetables and find the best connection leaving directly from the airport. You can purchase your tickets on board, and the coaches are equipped with WiFi to help you pass the hour as you head north.

Bike Sharing in Belfast

Belfast has a bike-sharing program managed by Belfast Bikes that offers bicycles to rent at 30 different points throughout the city. Biking is a popular way to move about the city, and prices are very reasonable, with registration ranging from 6 pounds for three days to 25 pounds for an annual subscription. After that, the first 30 minutes are free and just one pound per hour after that.

Taking a Taxi in Belfast

There are four types of taxis that operate within the Belfast City Center, and the rules that govern where and when they can pick up passengers depends on if the cab has an A, B, C or D license. All official taxis are clearly marked, but the best way to get a cab is to find a taxi rank or call a reputable company to reserve a taxi at a specific place and time. Many taxis are prohibited from stopping when hailed, though these rules are relaxed between the hours of midnight and 6 a.m.

Rates depend on the day of the week, and the hour of the day but usually start around 3 pounds. These rates should be clearly displayed inside the taxi, and the meter should be turned on. The final price will depend on the distance traveled.

Tips for Getting Around Belfast

Most of the main attractions in the center of Belfast are walkable, and it may be faster to go on foot, or hop on a bike share, rather than waiting for the bus. Buses are really best used if you plan to head out to the suburbs and neighborhoods outside of the downtown area, or when you plan to take the bus from Belfast to another part of Northern Ireland.

For shorter journeys, taxis are available at some taxi ranks downtown. However, some classes of taxis cannot be hailed within the city center. To be sure of getting where you need to go, you can also call ahead to book a taxi. One of the most popular companies is Value Cabs (+44 (028) 90809080).

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GUIDE | Translink Airport Express Bus 300 from Belfast International Airport to Belfast City Centre

The Translink Airport Express 300 is the sole public transport link connecting Belfast International Airport to Belfast Europa bus station in the city centre.

Where do I board the bus at the airport?

Board the Airport Express 300 from the bus shelter located on the terminal building driveway.

Simply turn left after exiting Arrivals, and walk down the length of the driveway. You will then spot the pole and shelter for the Airport Express 300.

Where do I board the bus at Belfast Europa?

Belfast Europa is Northern Ireland’s main bus station located within Belfast city centre. Simply show up at the departure hall, buy a ticket, and keep an eye out for the platform information on the electronic departure board.

Onward travel from Belfast Europa to the rest of Ireland

If you’re arriving at Belfast Europa, you have the option of onward travel within Northern Ireland either via Goldliner buses, or with Northern Ireland Railways from the attached Great Victoria Street station.

If you want to travel onwards to Dublin by bus, you can connect to the Goldliner X1 express bus departing from Belfast Europa.

If you have already bought tickets for the Enterprise train service , you need to make your way to Belfast Lanyon Place station. To get there, hop on any Northern Ireland Railways service departing Great Victoria Street for Derry/Londonderry, Larne, Portrush, or Bangor. Lanyon Place is the third (3rd) stop down the line from Great Victoria Street and comes right after Botanic.

How do I buy my tickets?

There are a few ways to buy tickets for the Airport Express 300 –

• Buying onboard the bus.
• Buying from the vending machine at Belfast International Airport.
• Buying from the Visit Belfast information desk at Belfast International Airport.
• Buying from the ticket counters at Belfast Europa.
• Buying online.
• Buying on Translink’s mLink app.

If you’re boarding at Europa , simply show up and buy the ticket from the ticket counter .  Both cash and card are accepted, though if you buy onboard the bus only cash is accepted.  Europa also features a large departure board which lists out the bus bays in use for each departing bus.

If you’re boarding the bus at the airport , you can buy your tickets at the Visit Belfast information desk at the Arrivals section of the airport. You can still buy your tickets onboard the bus, but I recommend trying to get them at the information desk especially if you don’t have small enough change for the bus fare.

On the other hand, if you don’t have enough cash or prefer to use your credit/debit cards, I recommend buying your tickets from the ticket vending machines at the airport. These machines accept payment via contactless ( up to £45 ), and you also have the option of topping up any of your Translink smartcards (assuming you have one).

How much do tickets cost?

The fares are at £8.50 for a single ticket (cash), and £12.50 for a day return ticket (cash). There is no difference in the amount you pay if you buy online, so you can rest easy and buy your tickets in person before boarding the bus.

There used to be a 30 day return ticket for £10.00, which saved the hassle of having to buy a new single ticket when returning from a trip. Unfortunately it seems Translink no longer offers this option .

I previously stated mistakenly that Translink no longer offered a monthly return ticket. Translink still offers a monthly return ticket on the Airport Express 300 for £12.50 , available for purchase at the Europa ticket counter, onboard from the driver, the tourist desk at the airport, or on the mLink app.

If you are planning to use the trains and buses in Northern Ireland frequently throughout your visit, you may consider getting an iLink card instead. These are essentially unlimited zonal travel tickets for all bus and train services for a day, a month, or a year within the designated zone(s). The iLink can be used on the Airport Express 300, and you’ll have to buy a Zone 3 iLink card as the airport falls under Zone 3.

For a full list of fares on the Translink Airport Express 300 service, please use Translink’s journey planner function on the Translink website . For more information on the iLink card, click here .

Timetables and Routing

The Translink Airport Express 300 generally runs throughout the day all week, with differing frequencies depending on the time of day. The services is not non-stop, calling at Templepatrick (Broadacres) and Templepatrick (Ballymartin Park & Ride) in each direction.

To view the detailed timetables for the Translink Airport Express 300, please use the Timetables search function on Translink’s Timetables webpage .

How are the buses like?

Translink operates specially branded light-blue coloured double decker buses on the Airport Express 300 route. These buses feature leather upholstered seats, luggage racks, and USB charging ports on the back of the seats.

Prior to the introduction of these buses, Translink ran normal Ulsterbus branded buses or a specially branded single deck bus on the service. If you get an Ulsterbus branded bus, note that it might not have luggage racks onboard.

Are there alternatives?

If buses aren’t your thing, you can catch a taxi to Belfast City Centre. Taxis can be easily booked at any hour from any of the Belfast operators, with the most prominent being Fonacab and ValueCabs.

Taxis are highly convenient as they provide a doorstep-to-terminal service so you don’t have to worry about missing a bus. If you have a big group and/or a lot of luggage, taxis can be more convenient than buses.

Like other cities, the downside with taxis is that they cost more than the buses. Expect to pay at least £30 for a ride from Belfast.

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100,000 young people sign up for Translink's travel discount card

TRANSLINK is celebrating 100,000 young people registering for its popular yLink card which now offers users a 50 per cent discount on travel – an increase from the previous 33 per cent discount.  

The youth travel card is free to access and is available to all 16–23-year-olds. It enables young people to save on travel throughout the North and on cross border services, as they connect with friends, family, work and study, and is particularly important given the challenges facing young people due to the rising cost of living.

Savings can also be maximised by utilising Translink’s mLink app along with the ylink card, with fares such as unlimited day travel on Metro and Glider for as little as £2.35. 

Welcoming the 100k milestone, David Cowan, Director of Commercial Operations at Translink, said: “We’re increasingly aware of the financial pressures young people are facing due to the ongoing cost of living issue and the importance of good public transport services to access work, study and leisure activities. In-fact research has highlighted that young people are the most financially vulnerable age group, so it’s great to see so many young people taking advantage of our exclusive yLink initiative, and we would encourage others to sign up to start saving and benefiting from the new half price travel discount. 

It’s a gift when you save 1/3 off bus & rail travel with our yLink card 🎉 It’s FREE and can also give you exclusive savings with partner business across Northern Ireland! ℹ Find Out More: https://t.co/q0VYEcE0su #BetterConnected pic.twitter.com/34GJxZ9mHr — Translink Metro (@TranslinkMetro) February 19, 2023

“yLink is also a great way to help establish sustainable travel habits with young people to really drive modal shift for a healthier and smarter way to travel while also helping address the climate crisis. We’re committed to making public transport an affordable and attractive travel option to passengers right across Northern Ireland. Not only are we continuing to grow our list of yLink partners where you can avail of discounts, we’ve also developed contactless payment technology across Metro, Glider and rail, with further services being added this year. Meanwhile our cashless mLink app allows users to add their yLink card to their virtual wallet and maximise further savings.”

Speaking about the importance of affordable public transport, Translink Youth Forum Member, Ciara Hesketh, who is currently on a gap year and will start university in September, said: “As a young person balancing work and university plans, good public transport is essential and the increased 50 per cent discount is very welcome, especially when students are facing many rising costs for other products and services. I think cheaper public transport will not only help students and young people make their money go further, but it will also encourage more young people to use public transport, which is so important in helping tackle climate change.” 

As well as discounted rates on all bus, Glider and rail travel, card holders can enjoy a range of offers at partnering retail outlets, cafes and entertainment venues, helping young people and their budgets go even further. 

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The Top Tips to Know Before Travelling to Belfast

Belfast is a great city to visit this year: it’s cheap, it’s friendly, and there’s a lot of history and five-star cuisine to discover. If you’re planning a trip to this Northern Irish city soon, make sure you know the basics.

Where is belfast.

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland; part of the UK, the country is the six-county region which sits at the top of the Republic of Ireland. The city lies in County Antrim, east of Northern Ireland’s six counties – located approximately one hour south of the North Coast and famous Giant’s Causeway and one hour north of Dublin , Republic of Ireland. The River Lagan runs through the city into the Atlantic, making it a primary coastal city in the UK region.

What currency do they use?

What is the best way to get around.

Belfast is a small city, so walking is easy and often the most enjoyable way to get around. The Metro bus services run throughout the day, with major pick-up points at either side of City Hall , Central Belfast. Taxis are cheap, modern and extremely safe – one of the best ways to get around at night. It’s very easy to travel to and from Dublin in Ireland: the Translink Enterprise train runs between the two cities every two hours. The North Coast is only one hour away by car, with regular buses and trains running to various points of the coast every day.

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Is it safe?

Belfast is a very safe city – especially in the central area of the city, which is home to great shopping destinations, hotels, bars and restaurants. The atmosphere will feel like a small village in a metropolis, and the people are traditionally friendly and helpful. While it may be quieter than some major cities in the UK, it’s generally a safe place to walk at night, even in small groups. You should be cautious when travelling to any city destination, but Belfast is no cause for concern!

Is there still tension between political communities?

Not so much – Belfast has developed into a safe city since The Troubles , in the 1970s. You will notice that certain areas of the city decorate their community streets with either the UK Union Jack or the Irish Tricolour flag – these two communities continue to live alongside one another. People may refer to themselves as British or Irish, but most people will call themselves Northern Irish.

The International Peace Wall is a beautiful collection of murals from nationalist and unionist communities that remember the conflict, and many visitors come to Belfast to see it. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask, within reason – the Northern Irish are generally happy to talk about their history and identity. Many visitors like to learn about Belfast’s history, but be open-minded too and explore the other great pieces of culture in the city (Hint: The Titanic is a big selling point.)

Can you travel on a budget?

Belfast is one of the cheapest cities in the UK, so you can absolutely travel on a budget. You will find that your money will go a long way; for example, Northern Irish cuisine is among the best in Europe and doesn’t come with a heavy price tag. The city is perfect for a weekend getaway or as a stop-off to many other destinations in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Tours are fairly cheap, ranging from food tours to boat trips – one of the quickest ways to check off the must-sees and must-dos on your holiday list!

Is there much to do?

There’s a lot to do ! In fact, Belfast is home to Europe’s Best Attraction, the Titanic Belfast , an exhibition built on the building site of the famous RMS Titanic . The famous docks are not the only reason to visit. Queen’s Quarter is home to the beautiful Queen’s University , Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum , and the Cathedral Quarter is a world-class destination for Irish pubs, food and markets.

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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BELFAST TO DUBLIN TRAIN

Belfast - dublin train: time, map & tickets cost.

Departure & Arrival Stations:

Lanyon Place Station ↔​ Connolly Station

Departing from

Lanyon Place Station

East Bridge St, Belfast BT1 3NR, United Kingdom

Arriving at

Connoly Station

1 Amiens St, North Dock, Dublin, Ireland

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We have a full range of travel vaccinations and aim to provide a one stop service..

Whether you are a patient of the practice, a resident of or a visitor to Northern Ireland, this travel clinic is available to you.

We provide vaccines, anti–malarial medications and advice on all travel related health issues.

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The Travel Clinic works in partnership with MASTA, a leading provider of travel vaccines and services in the UK.

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We provide a thorough travel assessment for both NHS and Private patients for individuals and groups. Pre-travel health assessments are also available.

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Belfast to Dublin rail service will see sub-two hour journey times after £140m investment

• Northern Ireland
• Tuesday 9 April 2024 at 5:48pm

Belfast to Dublin rail journeys will take less than two hours as new trains are set to replace the current fleet.

The PEACEPLUS programme funding of £140million for the cross-border rail service was announced on Tuesday.

The ‘Enterprise Fleet Replacement Programme’ will see eight new sets of trains replace the four sets currently operating the Belfast-Dublin service.

The programme aims to have the new trains operating from 2029 and operating an hourly timetable of services, and reduce journey times to "at least 1 hour 55 minutes."

The trains will initially be electric and battery power, however PEACEPLUS says they "can be converted into fully electric operation in the future" as part of the goal of an all-island electric rail corridor.

Figures from all governments involved said that this service will support movement towards decarbonisation or net zero goals.

It is also hoped the investment will improve accesibility and passenger exeperience.

Funding for the project is also coming from the Department of Infrastructure and the Irish Department of Transport.

Infratstructure Minister John O'Dowd said it was an "exciting time for rail travel" and that the new fleet, "will pave the way for the Enterprise service to become the first electrified inter-city service on the island which will support our decarbonisation commitments".

He added: "The investment will improve the experience of people travelling by train and encourage others to use these services. By doing so you will be playing your part in our shared journey to net zero as well as enjoying the many benefits to be gained by rail travel.”

Eamon Ryan TD, the Department of Transport Minister in the Republic of Ireland welcomed the investment in a "flagship" service, saying that it is a "well-known symbol of North-South cooperation and this replacement programme is a key priority of both Governments.

"The programme will significantly improve accessibility between the two largest cities on the island through increased service frequency and a faster journey time. "This is another indication of the ambition we have to put the island of Ireland on track for a new age of rail, connecting more cities and towns and opening up quality rail service to more people. "The funding for this programme under the PEACEPLUS programme and from both Government Departments demonstrates the positive impact cooperation has on meeting our shared goals of a cleaner, greener, interconnected all-island future.”

PEACEPLUS is a programme run in partnership between the European Union, the UK and Irish governments and the Northern Ireland Executive.

The programme is worth €1.14billion (£976m) and is managed by the EU.

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Plan Your Trip to Belfast

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We’re here to help you plan your perfect trip to Belfast. From information about getting to Belfast and travelling around the city to car parking , travel tips and guides to our neighbourhoods . Download Belfast visitor maps  and  brochures , and discover a host of visitor apps to help plan your trip.

And if you’ve got a question, contact our team at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre – they’ll be happy to help.

Getting to Belfast couldn’t be easier. Northern Ireland has three airports, sea crossings from England and Scotland, and a direct rail link from Dublin. Coming from further afield? No problem.

Check out the visitor map to see what places you can visit within Belfast.  You can use the map to easily navigate around Belfast, find walks and different services (e.g. toilets, shop, café), visit key areas, and make new memories.

Accessible Belfast

Belfast has plenty of accessible sights and wheelchair-friendly attractions to discover. See our guide below for information on accessible venues, public transport, mobility scooter and wheelchair hire, disabled car parking and accessible toilets in Belfast.

The effects of climate change have never been clearer or more urgent, and in its usual measures of resilience and action, Belfast is taking steps to become a future proof city for generations to come.

Belfast is compact and bijou, so getting around the city is easy on foot, by bike or by taxi. However, if you want to wander a little further afield then we’ve got a network of transport options which will get you to your desired destination.

Your Belfast Visitor Pass will also let you enjoy a whole world of fantastic offers and discounts, from savings on key attractions and tours to special offers and incentives in some of our main cultural venues, restaurants, cafés and shops!

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Secure car parking is available across Belfast. Have a look at our guide to car parking in the city. Find out about early bird deals, on-street parking, park and ride and more!

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We have a range of brochures and downloads to help you plan your trip to Belfast. This includes our city guide, food and drink guide, and maps of Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Find your way around Belfast using our list of helpful apps, including a virtual tour of Belfast, public transport maps and timetables, and a taxi booking service.

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UK's best and worst airports for delays revealed

The average delay for flights across all airports was almost 20 minutes and 42 seconds - down from 23 minutes and 12 seconds in 2022.

News reporter @TomGillespie1

Friday 12 April 2024 13:23, UK

London Gatwick was the worst airport for UK flight delays last year, analysis has found.

Departures from the airport, which is the second busiest in the UK, were an average of almost 27 minutes behind schedule in 2023, according to a Press Association study of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data.

Gatwick was badly affected by air traffic control staff shortages across Europe last year, and repeatedly suffered the same problem in its own control tower.

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The airport has said in a statement it is "working closely with our airline partners to improve on-time performance".

Luton had the second poorest punctuality record last year, with an average delay of almost 23 minutes.

The airport has said the average delay figures are "not helpful" without context and insists the vast majority of its flights left on time - claiming that most delays were due to factors out of its control.

In third place was Manchester, with an average delay of nearly 22 minutes.

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Belfast City had the best performance, with a typical delay of 12-and-a-half minutes.

Liverpool John Lennon was second best with an average delay of 13 minutes and 24 seconds, while East Midlands was next with an average wait of 15 minutes and 18 seconds.

The average delay for flights across all airports was almost 20 minutes and 42 seconds - down from 23 minutes and 12 seconds in 2022, when the aviation sector struggled to cope with a surge in demand for holidays following the end of coronavirus travel restrictions.

Departures from Heathrow, the UK's busiest airport, were typically delayed by 20 minutes last year.

The analysis took into account all scheduled and chartered departures from the 22 commercial UK airports with at least 1,000 outbound flights last year. Cancellations were not included.

The full ranking of UK airports based on worst average delay

1: Gatwick (26 minutes and 54 seconds)

2: Luton (22 minutes and 54 seconds)

3: Manchester (21 minutes and 54 seconds)

4: Edinburgh (21 minutes and 48 seconds)

5: Birmingham (21 minutes and 30 seconds)

6: Bristol (20 minutes and 24 seconds)

Joint 6th: Bournemouth (20 minutes and 24 seconds)

8: Heathrow (20 minutes)

9: Newcastle (19 minutes and 48 seconds)

10: Belfast International (19 minutes and 18 seconds)

11: Stansted (19 minutes and six seconds)

12: Aberdeen (17 minutes and 42 seconds)

13: Southampton (17 minutes and six seconds)

14: Leeds Bradford (16 minutes and 54 seconds)

Joint 14th: Cardiff Wales (16 minutes and 54 seconds)

16: Teesside International Airport (16 minutes and 48 seconds)

17: Glasgow (16 minutes and 36 seconds)

18: Exeter (15 minutes and 42 seconds)

19: London City (15 minutes and 36 seconds)

20: East Midlands International (15 minutes and 18 seconds)

21: Liverpool (John Lennon) (13 minutes and 24 seconds)

22: Belfast City (George Best) (12 minutes and 30 seconds)

Gatwick said in a statement: "As the most efficient single runway airport in the world, we aim to deliver a seamless passenger experience.

"The majority of cancellations are caused by poor weather, airspace constraints across Europe and inefficient third party ground operations.

"We are working closely with our airline partners to improve on-time performance.

"In addition, we have published a six-year capital investment programme setting out significant improvements to develop and enhance infrastructure and facilities to build the resilience of the airport."

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Gatwick imposed a temporary cap on flights in September 2023 in an attempt to reduce the number of short-notice cancellations and delays due to staff shortages in its ATC tower.

A Luton Airport spokesperson said: "Without context, these figures are not helpful to passengers. In 2023, the vast majority of flights from London Luton Airport departed on time and, out of 50,402 departing commercial flights, just 163 (0.3%) were delayed due to factors within our direct control, rather than external factors such as weather, air traffic restrictions and the late arrival of an aircraft."

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A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: "This analysis ignores important context. Punctuality can be affected by a number of factors, most of which are outside of an airport's control. The two most significant factors contributing to delays in the last year have been industrial action affecting air traffic control in Europe and the weather.

"Last month 79.8% of flights from Manchester Airport took off on time, comfortably above the national average of 67%.

"As an industry we are working collectively to achieve the best possible on-time departure rates, while protecting flight schedules and avoiding the need for cancellations."

What are your rights when flights are delayed?

When flights are significantly delayed or cancelled, airlines are required under consumer laws to provide passengers with assistance such as refreshments, a means of communication and overnight accommodation if required.

If the cause of disruption is under an airline's control, passengers are also due compensation of up to £520 depending on the length of the delay and the distance of the flight.

But air traffic control (ATC) issues are generally considered to be an "extraordinary circumstance", meaning affected passengers are not entitled to payouts.

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The U.S. issues new travel guidelines, warning that Iran will avenge the killings of senior commanders.

The State Department has barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel. Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back over the deadly bombing this month of an Iranian Embassy complex in Syria.

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By Liam Stack and Eric Schmitt

• April 12, 2024

Several countries including the United States have issued new travel guidelines for Israel and the surrounding region, as the Israeli military said its forces were “highly alert” for a possible Iranian strike in retaliation for the killings of several commanders.

Iran has repeatedly vowed to strike back at Israel over the bombing of an Iranian Embassy complex in Damascus, Syria, this month that killed three generals and four other military officers. An American official said on Friday that Washington expects an attack by Iran against Israel that would be bigger than recent attacks in the long shadow war between the two countries, but not so big that it would draw the United States into war. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday barred its employees from traveling to large parts of Israel, the first time the U.S. government had restricted the movement of its employees in this way since the war in Gaza began more than six months ago.

On Thursday, Britain told its citizens that they “should consider leaving” Israel and the Palestinian territories “if it is safe to do so.” On Friday, India told its citizens “not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice,” while France advised people not to travel to Israel, Iran or Lebanon and evacuated the families of French diplomats from Iran.

Asked about the U.S. travel warning , Matthew Miller, the State Department spokesman, said at a news briefing Thursday: “We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days.” He declined to provide details about any specific information that prompted the warning.

The new guidelines bar U.S. government employees and their families from traveling to locations outside the Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Beersheba metropolitan areas “out of an abundance of caution” until further notice. The State Department said U.S. personnel could move among those areas for personal travel.

The top American military commander for the Middle East, Gen. Michael E. Kurilla, traveled to Israel to coordinate a response to possible Iranian retaliation, U.S. officials said.

“Our enemies think that they will divide Israel and the United States,” the Israeli defense minister, Yoav Gallant, said in a statement on Friday after meeting with General Kurilla. “They are connecting us and are strengthening the relationship between us.”

If Iran attacks, he added, “we will know how to respond.”

On Thursday, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said that the armed forces were “highly alert and prepared” for any action Iran might take, even as the timing and scale of any response remained unclear. Analysts say that Tehran, which has long used a network of proxy forces to project power across the Middle East, wants to avoid igniting a full-fledged war that could drag in the United States and threaten the survival of Iran’s regime.

“For years, and even more so during the war, Iran has been financing, directing and arming its proxies — in Lebanon, Gaza, Syria, Iraq and Yemen — to attack the state of Israel,” he said. “An attack from Iranian territory would be clear evidence of Iran’s intentions to escalate the Middle East and stop hiding behind the proxies.”

Liam Stack is a Times reporter covering the Israel-Hamas war from Jerusalem. More about Liam Stack

Eric Schmitt is a national security correspondent for The Times, focusing on U.S. military affairs and counterterrorism issues overseas, topics he has reported on for more than three decades. More about Eric Schmitt

Our Coverage of the Israel-Hamas War

News and Analysis

Within moments of Israel and its allies shooting down a fusillade of Iranian missiles and drones, many began wondering what the exchange would mean for the war in Gaza. Military analysts were divided .

The disappearance and death of an Israeli teenager, whose body was found in the West Bank , spurred deadly rioting by Israeli settlers in Palestinian villages, ratcheting up tensions  even further in the occupied territory.

For months, Western governments have sent weapons to Israel while fending off accusations of abetting war crimes in Gaza. But as an outcry over the civilian death toll mounts, maintaining that balance is becoming increasingly difficult .

Mobilizing the American Left: As the death toll in Gaza climbed, the pro-Palestinian movement grew into a powerful, if disjointed, political force in the United States . Democrats are feeling the pressure.

Riding Rage Over Israel: Jackson Hinkle’s incendiary commentary  has generated over two million new followers on X since October — a surge that some researchers say is aided by inauthentic accounts by the online celebrity.

Psychedelics and Trauma: Thousands of festival-goers were using mind-altering substances when Hamas-led fighters attacked on Oct 7. Now, scientists are studying the effects of such drugs at a moment of trauma .

Turmoil at J Street: The war in Gaza has raised serious concerns within the Jewish political advocacy group about its ability to hold a middle position  without being pulled apart by forces on the right and the left.

Canada warns citizens against all travel to Israel and Gaza

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Reporting by Nia Williams in British Columbia; Editing by Daniel Wallis

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