Date: 20 Aug 2026
Belfast City Airport and Translink have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, setting out how they intend to work in partnership to support the ongoing development and appraisal of options which seek to improve connectivity between Translink’s network and Belfast City Airport.A range of options will be examined which will seek to improve the user experience, safety and accessibility for Translink and Belfast City Airport passengers.
Belfast City Airport’s 2040 Master Plan outlines the airport’s vision for a new halt on the current Belfast to Bangor line that could directly serve the extended terminal buildings via a new pedestrian link bridge across the Sydenham Bypass.
If progressed, the enhancement to rail access has the potential to deliver improvements to airport accessibility, encouraging a shift from private car use to public transport.It could also potentially make Belfast City Airport the first airport on the island of Ireland with a dedicated rail connection directly serving its terminal.
Tim Halley, Chief Development Officer at Belfast City Airport, commented:
"Belfast City Airport has always been defined by its convenience and location at the heart of Belfast. As passenger expectations evolve and sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration, we must continue to look at innovative ways to make journeys to and from the airport easier and more efficient.
"This partnership with Translink reflects a shared ambition to enhance connectivity and unlock opportunities that could benefit passengers, employees, local communities and Northern Ireland as a whole.
“Exploring the potential for a rail halt serving the airport is an exciting step in our long-term vision to create a more integrated and sustainable transport network."
While no option has been formally selected or approved for delivery at this stage, Belfast City Airport has confirmed it will work closely with Translink on the next stage of the process.
Gerard Carlin, Translink Group Chief Executive, added:
"Our vision is to make public transport first choice for travel, today for tomorrow, and this exciting partnership has the potential to significantly enhance safety, accessibility and overall connections between the rail network and Belfast City Airport.
"It reflects our commitment to connecting communities and supporting economic, social and environmental wellbeing across Northern Ireland, ensuring that attractive and sustainable travel choices are embedded into the airport's future plans."
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins welcoming this development said:
“The All-Island Strategic Rail Review highlighted the importance of improving rail connectivity to our airports, noting that no major airport on the island is currently served by rail. This Memorandum of Understanding demonstrates our continued commitment to advancing those recommendations and to placing sustainable public transport at the heart of our economy, society, and future growth.”
For more information on Belfast City Airport’s vision for the future, visit: belfastcityairport.com/vision.