Civil flights began around 1920 from Aldergrove, what is now Belfast International Airport, approximately away from Nutts Corner. The province's first London service began from Nutts Corner in 1934.
In 1946 civil air operations were transferred from Belfast Harbour Airport to RAF Nutts Corner due to the longer runways available at that airfield. Other reasons included the limited space available at Belfast for expansion and the danger associated with obstacles such as the cranes around Belfast harbour. Other sites were studied as possible alternative civil airports including RAF Long Kesh and Lisburn. The advantage of choosing Nutts Corner was the large amount of existing hardstanding which was necessary for civil aircraft movements. The former RAF station then became known as Belfast-Nutts Corner Airport. By the end of the 1950s the steep approach necessary for aircraft flying to Nutts Corner was deemed unsuitable. This was due to the location of the airport, close to the Belfast mountains and the obstacles located there, particularly transmitters and aerials. Another factor was the fact that of Nutts Corner's three runways, only one was suitable for modern aircraft. Aldergrove's two runways set at 100 degrees to each other made operations possible even if conditions changed dramatically. The decision to restore civil flights to Aldergrove was taken in July 1959. The move was made official in September 1963 and a month later the present terminal was opened. , Vickers Viscount at Nutts Corner Airport in 1960
Current use
A section of the A26 Moira Road, running from Nutts Corner Roundabout for approximately 2 km, is constructed on one of the old runways. The airfield was used from 1984 to 2004 for events such as the Irish Superbike Championships and Rallycross, but it was restricted due to noise complaints from local residents. A small section of the circuit continues to be used by the Northern Ireland Carting Club and the Ulster Karting Club. The site is also used for a weekly market and a model aircraft club is on the site.
Accidents and incidents
On 18 February 1942 a Liberator bomber which was leaving for an Atlantic patrol failed to gain height, struck a radio mast and crashed. Six of the crew survived but four were killed.
On 27 March 1951 a Douglas Dakota 3 cargo aircraft operated byAir Transport Charter and en route from Ringway Airport, Manchester, crashed shortly after take-off following failure to gain height. There were four fatalities, two of the three crew on board and two of the three passengers. The subsequent investigation found that the crash resulted from a loss of engine power caused by ice formation in the carburetor intakes attributable to the captain's failure to make use of the heat controls. An extended undercarriage and the presence of snow on the wings may have also been contributory factors.
