Belfast City Airport has announced an ambitious 2040 Master Plan that includes proposals for the island of Ireland’s first direct airport rail link — a project officials say could bring almost £2bn of investment to Northern Ireland.
Rail Stop at the Airport
The draft plan, unveiled on Tuesday, sets out long-term development goals for the airport, including a new train stop on-site to connect passengers directly to the rail network. Airport leaders believe the project would reduce car dependency, cut congestion, and boost regional accessibility.
Matthew Hall, chief executive of Belfast City Airport, said: “We want more passengers to arrive by public transport and leave their cars at home. Delivery of our master plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will benefit passengers and businesses across the region.”
The airport estimates the proposals could generate £1.7bn in economic benefit by 2040.
Political Backing
The plan has drawn support from Northern Ireland’s political leaders. First Minister Michelle O’Neill praised the project’s “great ambition”, while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said it “has the potential to deliver huge benefits for Northern Ireland”.
The draft plan will now go out for public consultation until 11 November.
Business Leaders Welcome Connectivity
Local business groups also backed the proposals, stressing the importance of better transport links for Belfast’s economy.
Clare Guinness, chief executive of Belfast Chamber, said: “Connectivity is critical to Belfast’s economic success. 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 the City Airport to be ready to help us unlock our future potential.”
Passengers React
For passengers, the proposals address both convenience and comfort. Alan and Sue Thompson, visiting from New Zealand, said the airport could benefit from an upgrade but had offered them a positive first experience.
Linda Hill, flying to Southampton, suggested a hotel would be useful: “It would mean you have somewhere to stay, because there’s nothing nearby. Round here there’s nowhere, you would have to find somewhere in the city.”
Others focused on transport. Brian McMullan from Larne said a rail link would cut down on unnecessary driving: “I had to drive to a friend’s house and he had to drive me here, so that’s two cars on the road. If there was a train, I wouldn’t have needed a car at all.”
A Long-Term Vision
If delivered, the airport rail link would mark a first for the island of Ireland. Supporters argue it would not only improve passenger experience but also make a lasting contribution to Northern Ireland’s economic future.
