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Our Next Steps

Following the publication of our Master Plan 2040, we’re now taking the next steps in turning our vision into a reality.

Proposal of Application Notices

We have submitted Proposal of Application Notices (PANs) to Belfast City Council and Ards and North Down Borough Council, setting out our draft proposals for a potential £200 million private investment. 

This includes:

New multimodal passenger forecourt

with upgraded public transport facilities

Enhancements and extensions

to the terminal, delivering world-class passenger facilities

New aprons and taxiways

to improve airfield operations

Other complementary development

including a hotel

Safeguards

to accommodate a future pedestrian link to a potential rail halt

Improved vehicle access

and parking facilities

New aircraft stands

to accommodate more cleaner, quieter, new-generation aircraft

The draft proposals do not include an extension to the runway.

Further information on these draft proposals will be available when the consultation period opens on 29th September 2026. 

Our Planning Agreement

As part of our draft proposals, we will be seeking amendments to our Planning Agreement, which governs our airport operations. These will be considered by the Department for Infrastructure. 

To unlock the benefits associated with our Master Plan, we are proposing an extension to operating hours. This is critical to help meet forecast growth in demand for air travel. 

The proposed extended operating hours: 

  • Increase the period for scheduled operations from a 15-hour day to a 16-hour day, allowing for scheduled movements up to 22:30
  • Maintain the no-fly period between 00:00 and 06:29

We will also be seeking an increase in annual traffic movements from 48,000 to 61,000, which would be accommodated within the airport’s existing noise controls. 

These amendments are critical to enable us to meet the forecast increase in demand for air travel and unlock the associated benefits, including increased connectivity to the UK and Europe. They are also essential to support the investment needed to deliver the infrastructure required for our long-term growth. 

HAVE YOUR SAY

These draft proposals could shape the future of Belfast City Airport for decades to come, and your feedback is a vital part of the process. We’re hosting a formal consultation where we will engage with local residents, community groups, elected representatives and other key stakeholders. This will give you the opportunity to review the proposals, share your views and help shape the development before any planning applications are submitted. The consultation period will run from 29th September 2026 – 27th October 2026.

Via our dedicated consultation website

at belfastcityairport.com/vision

In writing

by sending feedback to Master Plan Team, Belfast City Airport, Sydenham Bypass, Belfast BT3 9JH

Via email

at [email protected]

At one of our in-person consultation events

details of which can be found here

OUR VISION

Our Master Plan is an opportunity to show how we can build on our rich history while setting out a clear blueprint for how we can continue to meet increasing passenger demand over the next 15 years.

FIND OUT MORE