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MASTER PLAN 2040: OUR VISION FOR THE FUTURE

By 2040, our vision is to serve 7 million passengers per year.

Our Master Plan outlines how we can continue to play the same role we play today, as a convenient and stress-free gateway to the UK, Europe, and beyond, but in an expanded market, in a sustainable and responsible way. 

Realising this vision unlocks a potential private investment of up to £200 million that will enable us to continue to positively contribute to improved connectivity, regional balance and economic growth, in addition to facilitating more job creation, community outreach projects, and sustainability initiatives - but all on a much larger scale. 


Investing in Northern Ireland’s Connectivity and Prosperity

£1.7bn

contribution to the NI economy annually

Increased air connectivity

to key UK and European destinations

Transform Public Transport

and explore new rail halt opportunity

1,100+

new jobs at the airport

Enable delivery

of the Programme for Government

Accelerate

our sustainability ambitions including net zero and onsite renewables

Our vision

Through a substantial private investment of up to £200 million over the next fifteen years, our vision includes an extension of the existing terminal; new aircraft stands, aprons, and taxiway; surface access improvements, including a multi-modal forecourt; the opportunity to deliver a transformational rail halt directly serving the airport; complementary development which could include a hotel and increased EV charging facilities; and much more.

Support for our vision

"Tourism plays a pivotal role in driving Belfast’s economy, serving as the lifeblood of our vibrant city. Ensuring robust air connectivity is not just vital, it is foundational to the sustained growth of our business and leisure visitor economy, as well as its competitive resilience. Continued investment in the city region’s transport infrastructure is key to delivering Visit Belfast’s vision to foster a more sustainable tourism sector that enriches visitor experiences while minimising its environmental footprint."

Gerry Lennon

Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive, Visit Belfast

"Belfast City Airport is a key economic enabler and a vital gateway, supporting the drive for greater FDI, export growth and helping us achieve our strategic priorities at Invest NI for the benefit of the local economy. This Master Plan sets out how the airport will meet future demand integral to boosting investment, innovation and regional balance."

Kieran Donoghue

Kieran Donoghue, CEO, Invest NI

"The delivery of the ambition outlined in this Master Plan will serve as a catalyst, accelerating economic growth, boosting jobs, attracting investment, and strengthening Belfast’s position as a connected, competitive city. The contribution that Belfast City Airport makes to local business, tourism and the community is significant. Connectivity is critical to Belfast’s economic success and the airport is a strategic economic asset that our members and wider society rely on as a lifeline for commerce and business. Belfast is a city on the rise and that requires Belfast City Airport to be ready to help us unlock our future potential in the next decade and beyond."

Clare Guinness

Clare Guinness, CEO, Belfast Chamber

"As a digital centre of excellence in Europe, Allstate Northern Ireland is a major employer in Belfast. We have a long-standing commitment to innovation that requires our people and teams to meet and collaborate regularly around the world. Belfast is an important location for us, and the proximity of Belfast City Airport is a vital link connecting our company and helping bring economic prosperity. Proposed growth at Belfast City Airport through this visionary Master Plan will facilitate greater opportunity for access and connectivity, crucial for our region."

Stephen McKeown

Stephen McKeown, Global VP at Allstate and Managing Director of Allstate Northern Ireland

"Belfast City Airport plays a major role, not only for Northern Ireland at a regional level, but for East Belfast. Its positive impact in terms of direct employment and its support for community projects and local economic development is core to how it operates. This new vision has the potential to support further regeneration projects, local tourism and help our community reach its full potential."

Michele Byrans

Michele Byrans, Chief Executive, EastSide Partnership

"Our regional economy is reliant on air connectivity for access to the Great Britian and European Union markets and for the movement of talent and skills. It’s so important that we do not take connectivity and routes for granted. Development of Belfast City Airport is critical to meet future economic ambition and projected passenger numbers to strengthen Northern Ireland’s position as a hub for business and trade."

Roger Pollen

Roger Pollen, Head of Federation of Small Business

"Greater air connectivity is central to making sure we can get more visitors in to, around and spend more time here in Northern Ireland. The hospitality sector is the backbone of the tourism economy and hospitality business owners work hard to deliver our world class offer. We welcome future investment and enhanced capacity at Belfast City Airport as this will have a direct positive impact in bringing more visitors to sample our world class pubs, restaurants and attractions, staying longer and spending more. We look forward to seeing the potential development of the airport strengthening our reputation as a destination of choice for visitors from GB, Europe and the rest of the world."

Colin Neill

Colin Neill, CEO, Hospitality Ulster

"We rely on the efficient and accessible air transport links that Belfast City Airport provides to maintain and grow our international partnerships, attract world-class academics, and support the mobility of students, staff, and visitors alike. Our academic community routinely benefits from the airport’s accessibility and its ability to facilitate timely travel for conferences, research collaborations, and incoming delegations. Belfast City Airport is of strategic importance to the economic, academic, and social development of both Belfast city and the wider region."

Dr Ryan J Feeney

Dr Ryan J Feeney, Vice-President (Governance and External Affairs) and Registrar, Queen’s University Belfast

"Belfast City Airport continues to demonstrate how a forward-thinking and responsible business can be successful and create positive change and meaningful impact in local communities. The delivery of the Master Plan vision at Belfast City Airport will ensure vital connectivity and make a positive contribution to economic prosperity, enabling the airport to build on its long-term commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainable development."

Dr Lisa McIIvenna

Dr Lisa McIIvenna, Managing Director, Business in the Community NI

Help us shape our future

In developing this Master Plan, we undertook a comprehensive consultation and engagement exercise that sought your feedback.

We are extremely pleased with the level of engagement and feedback received from all stakeholders during the process, with the responses to the consultation offering supportive and positive views on the Master Plan vision to 2040.

A Consultation Report has been published alongside our Master Plan to provide a comprehensive overview of the process and feedback received.