By Joe McCann
BELFAST City Airport is set for a dramatic transformation under plans that could bring a new railway station, hotel, shopping area and eight additional aircraft stands to the site.
Proposals of application notices have now been submitted to Ards and North Down Council and Belfast City Council for the multi-million-pound expansion, which would see the number of aircraft stands increase from 13 to 21.
The plans also include new access points for cars, buses and cyclists, along with a new railway platform directly connected to the airport — potentially allowing passengers to travel straight from Belfast Grand Central Station to the terminal.
The ambitious proposals were first unveiled last year as part of Belfast City Airport’s 2040 Master Plan and could have a significant impact not only on Belfast but also the surrounding Ards and North Down area, given the airport’s location beside the main arterial route to Bangor.
If approved, Belfast City Airport would become the first airport on the island of Ireland to have a direct connection to a major rail network.
The development would also feature a new hotel, a large electric vehicle charging forecourt and shopping facilities, with the airport claiming the wider master plan could contribute an additional £1.7 billion to the Northern Ireland economy and create 11,300 jobs, including around 1,300 at the airport itself.
The airport is located within Belfast City Council’s boundary, but some of the proposals involve wastewater infrastructure extending into Ards and North Down. The airport is also situated on the main arterial route into Bangor and such an expansion will likely have a huge impact on the area.
The airport has said it plans to hold a voluntary public consultation on proposed changes to its existing planning agreement which will be announced soon.
It is expected objections may be received relating to the airport’s plans to add another operating hour to its services, meaning planes will be flying over residential areas for longer. The decision to extend flight hours rests with the Minister for Infrastructure.
The expansion plans come in response to forecasts that demand for air travel to and from the island of Ireland will double over the next 15 years.
The plan states Northern Ireland’s airports will need to have capacity for up to 21 million passengers a year. As part of that, Belfast City Airport said it will need to be able to handle up to seven million passengers per year.
Speaking on the proposals, First Minister Michelle O’Neill said Belfast City Airport is more than just a gateway it is a major part of our economy.
“It supports hundreds of jobs, boosts local businesses and helps drive tourism,” she said.
“This Master Plan shows great ambition and a really bold vision for the future. I look forward to seeing how this next chapter unfolds and the positive impact it will have on our people, visitors and generations to come.”
Deputy First Minister Emma Little- Pengelly said: “The Belfast City Airport Master Plan has the potential to deliver huge benefits for Northern Ireland. Growing a globally and sustainable economy is a priority for us and this plan aligns seamlessly with this as it will drive connectivity and support future economic growth.
“It will also strengthen our tourism sector, support employment and reinforce Northern Ireland’s position as a great place to work, live, visit and invest in.”
Ards and North Down Council said it would not be appropriate for the council to comment at this stage of the planning process.
