Have Your Say

Consultation on the draft Master Plan included consideration of the principle of future growth at Belfast City Airport and its role in supporting the Northern Ireland economy. Responses indicated strong support, with 74% of consultation respondents and 96% of surveyed passengers recording support or strong support for the principle. Additionally, 87% of respondents expressed strong support for the principle of future growth at Belfast City Airport, subject to appropriate environmental safeguards. Belfast City Airport is undertaking a comprehensive assessment of all environmental effects and where such effects are identified, will develop mitigation measures where appropriate. This includes a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment which is being prepared to accompany the future planning applications and modifications to the Planning Agreement. The proposals being brought forward through the consultation process are broadly consistent with the draft Master Plan and relate to passenger facilities, airport operations, connectivity and transport infrastructure, supporting facilities, and operational controls.

During consultation on the draft Master Plan, Belfast City Airport sought views on the potential economic and social benefits of future growth. Feedback demonstrated strong support, with around 85% of respondents supportive. Apprenticeship and training initiatives were also well received, with 91% of respondents supporting opportunities for young people, returners and those seeking to retrain. The proposed growth of Belfast City Airport to 7 million passengers per annum by 2040 has the potential to support the creation of more than 1,100 additional jobs across a range of roles and skill levels. The airport also intends to establish an Employment Academy, working with education and industry partners to help deliver apprenticeships, training opportunities and routes into employment.

Consultation on the draft Master Plan demonstrated strong support for measures to enhance sustainable access and connectivity to and from Belfast City Airport, with 86.5% of respondents supportive. Improved public transport provision, including enhanced rail connectivity, emerged as a key priority. Belfast City Airport is working with Translink to explore opportunities to improve connectivity between the airport and the wider transport network, with a focus on accessibility, sustainability and passenger experience.

During consultation on the draft Master Plan, respondents were invited to comment on the principle of greater flexibility in airport operating hours to support connectivity, economic growth and the introduction of cleaner, new generation aircraft. Feedback demonstrated a generally positive level of support, with 68.5% of respondents in favour. A 16-hour day of operations at Belfast City Airport is the minimum necessary to serve demand, improve connectivity and unlock the £200 million private investment in infrastructure. Any increase in operating hours will be accompanied by a series of targeted mitigations to ensure that any impact on our community is minimised. Belfast City Airport is therefore considering a potential amendment to its operating hours to allow scheduled flights up to 22:30. This would extend the current operating day by one hour while maintaining the existing night-time no-fly period between 00:00 and 06:29.

During consultation on the draft Master Plan, Belfast City Airport sought views on a range of sustainability measures, including net zero operations, onsite renewable energy generation, improved public transport access and the introduction of new generation aircraft. 84% of surveyed passengers indicated support or strong support for these measures. Some respondents to the draft Master Plan consultation raised concerns regarding the prospects and timing of new generation aircraft being used at Belfast City Airport. Growth within Belfast City Airport’s existing noise contour limit is possible due to the ongoing transition to cleaner, quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft across the aviation industry. This is supported by aircraft certification and by measurement. The proportion of new generation aircraft in the fleet at Belfast City Airport is expected to grow from 7% today to 60% by 2040 based on the anticipated delivery of these new generation aircraft, reinforced by the incentives that the airport is considering to encourage airlines to operate an even higher proportion of new generation aircraft.

During consultation on the draft Master Plan, Belfast City Airport invited views on the emerging proposals and asked respondents whether they had any remaining concerns, taking into account the assessment of potential effects and proposed mitigation measures. Responses indicated generally low levels of concern, with 70% of surveyed passengers reporting that they were either "not concerned at all" or "not that concerned" about the proposals. Respondents were also asked to identify what aspects of the proposals they were most concerned with, the top three most common responses from both those who responded to the questionnaire at consultation events or on the dedicated consultation microsite, and passengers surveyed in terminal were; air quality, noise, and carbon emissions. Additionally, respondents were asked which measures they would like the airport to further target as part of the Master Plan. The top three most common responses from both those who responded to the questionnaire at consultation events or on the dedicated consultation microsite, and passengers surveyed in terminal were; noise mitigation, sustainability initiatives and ecology enhancements. Belfast City Airport is committed to being a good neighbour and managing its operational impacts. A comprehensive range of noise management measures is in place, as set out in the airport's Noise Action Plan. The noise assessment undertaken to inform the draft Master Plan indicates that forecast growth to 2040 can be accommodated within the airport's existing noise contour limit, supported by an increase in the proportion of quieter, new generation aircraft operating at the airport. A detailed noise assessment will also be undertaken as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment process. The development proposals include a range of environmental and sustainability measures that build upon existing environmental management practices and support the airport's commitment to sustainable growth and continuous environmental improvement.

During consultation on the draft Master Plan, Belfast City Airport sought views on its emerging proposals for future development. Feedback indicated a generally positive level of support, with 84% of respondents expressing support or strong support. Respondents were also invited to identify priorities for the airport's future development. Comments highlighted a range of issues, including the provision of additional destinations, improved cycle connectivity and enhancements to passenger facilities. The feedback received has informed the development of the proposals presented through this consultation. Belfast City Airport is now seeking views on the overall package of development proposals and the approach to future growth that they set out. Taking account of the evidence presented and the feedback received to date, Belfast City Airport is seeking views on the overall package of development proposals and whether they provide an appropriate framework for the airport's future development.

During consultation on the draft Master Plan, respondents highlighted a range of issues relating to the airport's interaction with surrounding communities, including noise, access and connectivity, environmental impacts, and employment opportunities. Belfast City Airport recognises the importance of balancing future growth with the interests of local communities and has developed a range of measures intended to manage operational impacts while supporting economic and social benefits. With this in mind, Belfast City Airport is seeking views on the potential implications of the development proposals for local communities.