An airbase of the Royal Air Force, RAF Aldergrove is 18 miles north-west of Belfast and is easily accessed via a network of main roads and motorways. It adjoins Belfast International Airport, sometimes referred to simply as Aldergrove which is the name of the surrounding area. The base shares the Aldergrove runways but has its own separate facilities and helipad.

RAF Aldergrove first opened in 1918 but was not designated as an operational RAF station until 1925. Aldergrove’s location made it an important station during the Second World War of RAF Coastal Command in the Battle of the Atlantic. From the base long range reconnaissance aircraft were able to patrol the Eastern Atlantic for U-Boats.

In 1968 a maintenance unit (No.23 MU) for the F-4 Phantom in RAF service was established at Aldergrove, with 116 aircraft passing through on their way to front line service.

Aldergrove is now home to a mixed force of helicopters, which operate across the province in support of the British Army and Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Notable military aircraft which have visited Aldergrove

• Air Force One – Carrying both Bill Clinton and George W.Bush on visits to Northern Ireland.
• RAF Vickers VC10s and Lockheed Tristars in support of the RAF presence.
• Various NATO aircraft for Squadron celebration, etc.