Belfast City Airport unveils £200m expansion plans

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Belfast City Airport has submitted Proposal of Application Notices (PANs) to Belfast City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council, initiating the public consultation process for the next phase of its Master Plan 2040. This phase aims to attract up to £200 million in private investment, with the airport stating that consultation will take place before a formal planning application is submitted.

The draft proposals include expanding passenger facilities, developing new airfield infrastructure, and improving airport access, creating a new multi-modal interchange forecourt, adding parking spaces, and supporting uses, including a hotel. The proposal does not involve extending the airport's existing runway.

In anticipation of a future railway stop serving the airport, the draft reserves the possibility for a pedestrian walkway. Belfast City Airport has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Translink to study rail connection opportunities.

Beyond the infrastructure proposals, the airport is also seeking to amend its existing Planning Agreement, which will be considered by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) in Northern Ireland. The proposed amendments are expected to include extending planned operating hours from 15 to 16 hours per day, allowing scheduled flights to operate until 22:30, while maintaining the existing curfew period from 00:00 to 06:29.

Belfast City Airport is also proposing to increase the annual flight movement cap from 48,000 to 61,000. The airport states that the additional movements would be accommodated within existing noise contour limits and environmental controls.

The PAN process marks the start of the formal consultation phase for the draft plan. The airport will also conduct voluntary public consultation on the proposed changes to the Planning Agreement. Depending on consultation feedback, a planning application may be submitted to Belfast City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council later this year, alongside an application to the DfI regarding changes to the airport's operating controls.

Matthew Hall, Chief Executive of Belfast City Airport, said the airport published its Master Plan 2040 earlier this year following extensive consultation, setting out how the airport can continue to support Northern Ireland's connectivity, economy, and future growth. The feedback received helped shape the current draft, which is an important next step in turning the long-term vision into reality. He stated that by creating the conditions for sustainable growth, the airport can deliver economic benefits, accelerate progress towards sustainability goals, attract further private investment, and strengthen connections between Northern Ireland and key destinations across the UK and beyond.

The airport plans to provide more information in the coming weeks and launch a community consultation programme, including public information events. Feedback received during the process will be used to refine the final proposals.