Belfast City Airport has set out draft plans for up to 200 million GBP in private investment to support the next phase of its Master Plan 2040.
The airport has submitted Proposal of Application Notices (PANs) to Belfast City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council, beginning the consultation process ahead of potential planning applications.
Under the draft proposals, the airport could expand passenger facilities and develop new airfield infrastructure. Other measures include improvements to airport access, a new multimodal forecourt, additional parking and complementary uses, including a hotel.
The proposals do not include an extension of the airport’s existing runway.
The plans also safeguard the potential for a pedestrian connection to a future rail halt serving the airport. Belfast City Airport and Translink recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the opportunity for a rail connection.
Alongside the infrastructure proposals, the airport is seeking changes to its existing Planning Agreement, which would be considered by Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure (DfI).
The proposed changes are expected to include an extension of scheduled operating hours from 15 to 16 hours per day. Under the draft proposals, scheduled movements could operate until 22:30, while the existing no-fly period between 00:00 and 06:29 would remain in place.
Belfast City Airport is also proposing to increase its annual traffic movement limit from 48,000 to 61,000. The airport said the additional movements would be accommodated within its existing noise contour limit and environmental controls.
The PAN process marks the beginning of formal consultation on the draft planning proposals. The airport will also undertake a voluntary public consultation on the proposed changes to its Planning Agreement.
Subject to consultation feedback, planning applications could 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 operational controls.
Matthew Hall, Chief Executive of 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.
The airport will provide further information in the coming weeks as it begins a programme of community consultation, including public information events. Feedback received during the process will help inform the final proposals.
