Belfast City Airport ramps up Master Plan 2040 vision

Belfast City Airport has submitted Proposal of Application Notices (PANs) to Belfast City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council, setting out the next step in delivering its Master Plan 2040 vision.

The PAN submissions relate to proposed outline and full planning applications that together form a potential £200 million private investment. They are the first step in the planning process, where formal consultation on draft plans will take place to inform any future planning applications.

Alongside consultation on the planning applications, the airport will also undertake a voluntary public consultation on proposed changes to its current Planning Agreement, which is governed by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), providing the community with an opportunity to comment on the full package of draft proposals.

How airport expansion could boost Northern Ireland’s economy

If realised, Belfast City Airport estimates that the Master Plan 2040 could generate £1.7 billion in annual economic contribution to the regional economy and support over 23,000 jobs across Northern Ireland, driving Northern Ireland’s growth.

Subject to feedback received during the consultation exercise, it is likely that planning applications will be submitted to Belfast City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council later this year for the comprehensive redevelopment of the airport infrastructure alongside a submission to the DfI seeking modifications to the airport’s operational controls.

Matthew Hall, Chief Executive at Belfast City Airport, said: “Following an extensive period of consultation, we launched our Master Plan 2040 earlier this year, setting out how Belfast City Airport can continue to underpin Northern Ireland’s connectivity, economy and future growth.

“The feedback received has helped shape these draft proposals, which are an important next step in turning that long-term vision into a reality. By creating the conditions for sustainable growth, we have the potential to deliver significant economic benefits, accelerate our sustainability ambition, attract further private investment and strengthen Northern Ireland’s links with key destinations across the UK and beyond.”

Belfast City Airport plans for rising passenger demand by 2040

With aviation experts predicting that air travel demand to and from the island of Ireland will double in the next 15 years, Northern Ireland’s airports will need to accommodate up to 21 million passengers a year. It is anticipated that Belfast City Airport will need to grow to carry seven million of these passengers annually by 2040.

The airport’s draft proposals aim to enhance passenger facilities, improve airport operations and invest in critical infrastructure, strengthening Northern Ireland’s connectivity and economy.

The draft infrastructure proposals, outlined in the PAN submissions, include extended passenger facilities and new airfield infrastructure, improved access, a new multimodal forecourt, additional parking and complementary airport uses including a hotel.

How public transport links could enhance accessibility

They also safeguard the opportunity to deliver a pedestrian link to a future rail halt directly serving the airport. This ensures Belfast City Airport and Translink can continue to work in partnership to explore the opportunity, building on their recently signed Memorandum of Understanding.

If progressed, the rail halt has the potential to deliver transformational change in airport accessibility, encouraging more passengers and staff to utilise public transport. It would also make Belfast City Airport the first airport on the island of Ireland to be directly connected by rail.

Matthew said: “These draft infrastructure proposals have been designed to support the airport’s growth in a way that is balanced and mindful of our surroundings and, importantly, do not include any extension to the existing runway.”

Belfast City Airport seeks longer operating hours and more flights

In parallel with the draft infrastructure proposals, Belfast City Airport will be seeking amendments to its existing Planning Agreement.

These draft changes, to be considered by the DfI, are likely to include a one-hour increase in scheduled operations, from a 15-hour to a 16-hour day, with scheduled movements allowed up to 22:30 – whilst maintaining the current no-fly period between 00:00 and 06:29.

They could also include an increase in annual traffic movements from 48,000 to 61,000, accommodated within the airport’s existing noise contour area limit and environmental controls.

Matthew said: “Extended operating hours and increased annual traffic movement limits are critical for Belfast City Airport to be able to meet the forecast increase in demand for air travel and enable it to unlock the associated benefits, including increased connectivity to the UK and Europe. They are also essential to support the investment needed to deliver the infrastructure required for the airport’s long-term growth.

“The proposed changes would provide the operational flexibility required to facilitate airline schedules and future route development, while continuing to operate within a framework that recognises the importance of balancing growth with our commitment to being a responsible neighbour.”

How to take part in the Belfast City Airport expansion consultation

Further information will be provided in the coming weeks as the airport undertakes an extensive programme of community consultation, including public information events. Feedback received during the consultation will help inform the final proposals.

Matthew concluded by saying: “We recognise the long-standing relationship we have with our local communities and we are committed to maintaining an open and constructive dialogue as these plans progress.

“By working closely with residents, businesses, elected representatives and other stakeholders, we can help ensure the airport continues to deliver for Northern Ireland while being a considerate and responsible neighbour.”