Belfast City Airport has taken another major step towards its long term expansion plans, unveiling proposals that could unlock up to £200 million of private investment and significantly strengthen Northern Ireland’s aviation infrastructure.
The airport has submitted Proposal of Application Notices to Belfast City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council, marking the next stage of its Master Plan 2040. The proposals will now enter a consultation process before potential planning applications are submitted later this year.
Planning for future aviation growth
At the heart of the plans is a vision to increase passenger capacity to around seven million people a year by 2040.
The proposals include expanded passenger facilities, new aircraft stands, aprons and taxiways, improved access, additional parking and a potential new hotel. The airport has also safeguarded the possibility of a pedestrian connection to a future rail halt on the Belfast to Bangor line.
If delivered, the rail connection could make Belfast City Airport the first airport on the island of Ireland with a dedicated rail connection directly serving its terminal.
The development comes as demand for air travel is expected to increase significantly over the coming years, creating a need for additional capacity and stronger connections between Northern Ireland and key markets across the UK and Europe.
Investment could deliver wider economic benefits
The proposed investment is expected to extend well beyond the airport itself.
Belfast City Airport forecasts that its Master Plan 2040 could contribute £1.7 billion to the Northern Ireland economy each year and support more than 23,000 jobs across the region. The plans are also expected to create more than 1,100 additional positions at the airport.
That potential economic impact could benefit a broad range of industries, including aviation, tourism, hospitality, engineering, logistics and professional services.
Greater airport capacity could also give airlines more flexibility to develop routes and increase frequencies, helping businesses access important markets while making Northern Ireland more accessible to international visitors.
A more connected future
The proposed rail link is another significant part of the airport’s longer term vision.
Belfast City Airport and Translink signed a Memorandum of Understanding earlier this month to explore options for improving connections between the airport and the wider rail network. A direct link could encourage more passengers to use public transport when travelling to and from the airport.
The airport has also emphasised that the proposed infrastructure development would not involve extending its existing runway. Instead, the focus is on making better use of the current airport site and improving its facilities and connectivity.
Strengthening Northern Ireland’s aviation sector
The latest proposals represent an important stage in Belfast City Airport’s plans for the next 15 years.
If approved and delivered, the investment would create a larger and more connected airport while supporting additional employment, tourism and business activity across Northern Ireland.
For the wider aviation sector, the project highlights the growing importance of infrastructure investment in meeting future demand and maintaining strong connections between regional economies and international markets.
With consultation now under way, Belfast City Airport is moving closer to turning its Master Plan 2040 vision into a long term programme of investment and aviation growth.
Source: Belfast City Airport, Airport Industry News, 4NI and Northern Ireland Assembly
Images: Belfast City Airport, via its Master Plan 2040 visualisations