Runway Extension
Why extend the current runway?
The current length of the runway restricts the amount of fuel and number of passengers permitted to be carried by some aircraft. The result is that the airlines can only fly from short-haul destinations mainly within the UK at less than full passenger capacity. An extended runway will facilitate flights to a wider range of European destinations.
Will the runway extension mean larger planes using the airport?
No. It will be a case of the same planes operating different routes. No wide bodied aircraft or any aircraft bigger than those currently using the airport will be permitted.
Will there be more flights?
No. The number of flights or air traffic movements through George Best Belfast City Airport is governed by a Planning Agreement. This restricts the airport to 45,000 air traffic movements in any 12 consecutive months. The proposed runway extension would not alter the Planning Agreement.
Will there be night time flights?
The operating hours of the airport are also governed by the Planning Agreement therefore the runway extension will not alter the existing operating hours which are:
0630 to 2130 - daily operating hours
2131 to 2359 - extension hours when delayed flights may be accepted
00.00 to 0629am - all flights prohibited
Will the runway extension mean more flights over the city?
No. The majority of flights must operate over Belfast Lough. Currently approximately 55% of flights operate over the Lough.
Will the proposed extension create additional jobs?
Yes. It is believed that the proposed extension will create additional jobs at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Will the proposed runway extension be privately funded?
The proposed runway extension will be entirely funded by George Best Belfast City Airport. No public funding will be sought.
An Environmental Impact Assessment has been carried out in accordance with the requirements of the 1999 planning regulations which relates to the construction or extension of airfields. The purpose is to draw together an assessment of the projects likely to have significant environmental effects to ensure that the likely significant environmental effects are assessed as part of the decision making process. To view the Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement, please
click here.
To show your support for the runway click
here to email us.
Click here to download a Non-Technical Summary of the Environmental Statement
Click here to download a copy of our Runway Brochure 'The Facts'