Belfast City Airport Outlines £200 Million Investment Plans Through 2040

Belfast City Airport has unveiled proposals for up to £200 million in private investment as it moves forward with the next phase of its long-term Master Plan 2040.

The airport has submitted Proposal of Application Notices to Belfast City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council, formally beginning consultation ahead of future planning applications.

The proposed development programme covers a broad range of improvements across the airport site. Plans include expanded passenger facilities, additional airfield infrastructure, upgraded airport access and a new multimodal forecourt. The proposals also provide for additional parking capacity, alongside complementary developments such as a hotel. No extension of the airport's existing runway is planned.

Improving surface access also forms part of the longer-term vision. The plans protect space for a potential pedestrian connection to a future rail halt serving the airport. Belfast City Airport and public transport operator Translink have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding to investigate the possibility of establishing a rail connection.

Alongside the infrastructure investment, Belfast City Airport is seeking amendments to its current Planning Agreement. Among the proposed operational changes is an increase in scheduled operating hours from 15 to 16 hours per day, potentially allowing scheduled movements until 22:30. The existing restriction on flights between midnight and 06:29 would remain unchanged.

The airport is also proposing to raise its annual aircraft movement limit from 48,000 to 61,000. According to the airport, this growth could be accommodated while remaining within existing noise limits and environmental controls.

The current consultation process will help shape the final proposals before formal planning applications are submitted. Applications could be lodged with the two local councils later in 2026, while proposed changes to operational restrictions would be considered separately by Northern Ireland's Department for Infrastructure.

Belfast City Airport says the investment is intended to support future passenger growth, strengthen Northern Ireland's connectivity and create the infrastructure required for the airport's development through 2040.

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