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Airport bidding for more passengers and later flights

John CampbellEconomics and business editor, BBC News NI
Cyanotype Media Belfast City Airport at night. There are two large glowing signs. One reads 'BELFAST CITY AIRPORT' and the other reads 'THE HEART OF Belfast'. There is a bridge-tunnel leading into the airport. Cyanotype Media
A visual of how Belfast City Airport could look following the implementation of the draft plan

Belfast City Airport is seeking permission to extend its evening flights from 21:30 BST to 22:30 as part of a major expansion plan.

The operator also wants to increase its annual flight limit by 27%, raising the cap from 48,000 to 61,000 movements a year.

The changes would require a modification to the airport's legally binding Planning Agreement, with the final decision likely to rest with the infrastructure minister.

The proposals may provoke opposition from local residents' groups and environmental campaigners.

Matthew Hall, chief executive at Belfast City Airport, said extended operating hours and increased traffic movement limits are "critical" for the airport to meet the forecast increase in demand for air travel.

"The proposed changes would provide the operational flexibility required to facilitate airline schedules and future route development, while continuing to operate within a framework that recognises the importance of balancing growth with our commitment to being a responsible neighbour," he added.

Modifying the Planning Agreement will involve a lengthy process that involves councils and other planning bodies.

It will run in parallel to the airport's planning process for a major expansion to its facilities which was first outlined last year.

Cyanotype Media A train stop. On the left, there are people waiting at a platform, where a train is stationed. There are also people waiting on the opposite platform. In the background, there is building with a large sign which reads 'BELFAST CITY AIRPORT'. There is a white plane flying overhead. There is also a bridge-tunnel above the tracks which leads to the building with the 'BELFAST CITY AIPORT' sign. Cyanotype Media
A visual of how a new train stop might look

The airport has now filed a Pre Application Notice, which triggers a public consultation ahead of a full planning application which is likely to be made later this year.

Matthew Hall said the plans would include extended passenger facilities, new airfield infrastructure, additional parking, and complementary airport uses including a hotel.

The plans would also "safeguard the opportunity to deliver a pedestrian link to a future rail halt directly serving the airport".

The airport will need the cooperation of Translink, NI's public transport operator, to deliver and operate a station.

The two organisations recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore what might be possible.

Objections from residents' groups

When the airport published its master-plan last year however, Belfast City Airport Watch (BCAW), an umbrella organisation of residents' groups, indicated it would be objecting to the plans for later flight times.

It said: "It is our view that the existing balance between airport operations and protection of residents which was settled as recently as 2019 cannot safely be disturbed."

It added that it had no objection to a responsibly operated commuter airport but would not support "the creation of more noise and disturbance or more hours of noise and disturbance".

"We will also not support a change in the 'character' of the airport or the unnecessary duplication of services that could be provided by Belfast International Airport without the destruction of residential amenity in Belfast and North Down."