Belfast City Airport Discloses Blueprint for Terminal Enlargement
Belfast City Airport Unveils Ambitious Master Plan 2040
Belfast City Airport has launched a public consultation for its draft Master Plan 2040, outlining a vision for the airport's future growth and sustainability. The plan, which is part of the Northern Ireland Executive's Programme for Government, aims to transform the airport into a modern, eco-friendly hub that caters to the needs of passengers and the region.
At the heart of the Master Plan 2040 is a commitment to greener journeys for passengers. The plan proposes improvements to surface access, encouraging more passengers to use public transport, and the possibility of a rail halt on the Bangor line, making Belfast City Airport the first on the island of Ireland with a direct rail link.
The draft plan also includes an expansion of terminal and airfield facilities, new developments such as a hotel and more electric vehicle charging points, and a feasibility study with Translink into the proposed rail link.
Belfast City Airport aims to accommodate 7 million passengers annually by 2040, a significant increase from its current capacity. To meet this forecast demand, the airport proposes increasing its annual cap on aircraft movements from 48,000 to 61,000, with no runway extension required. This investment could support over 23,000 jobs regionally and contribute around 1.7 billion GBP in annual gross value added (GVA) to the Northern Ireland economy.
Sustainability measures, including progress towards net zero, form a key part of the plan. The airport reaffirms its role as a vital economic enabler for the region, while also emphasising its commitment to meeting future demand in a responsible and environmentally-friendly manner.
Feedback on the draft Master Plan can be submitted by post or at public engagement sessions. The public consultation runs until 11 November 2025, and the plan can be viewed and responses submitted at belfastcityairport.com/vision.
The draft Master Plan 2040 demonstrates Belfast City Airport's ambition for the future and its commitment to serving the needs of passengers and the region for years to come.
