Belfast City Airport plan includes island's first air-rail link

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

Bernie Allen
BBC News NI

The island of Ireland's first airport rail connection is among proposals in a new plan for Belfast City Airport that officials say could bring almost £2bn of investment to Northern Ireland.

The draft, which was unveiled on Tuesday, is part of the 2040 Master Plan and includes a proposal to install a train stop at the airport.

Airport bosses said that by 2040 the plan could generate £1.7bn in economic benefit.

The draft plan is open for public consultation until 11 November.

A man smiling at the camera. He is wearing a navy suit jacket with a white shirt and a blue tie with white polka-dots. He is bald, and is standing outside in front of a number of trees and bushes.

Matthew Hall said the economic benefits of the master plan are significant

First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the plan shows "great ambition" and that she was looking forward to see how "this next chapter unfolds", while Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said it "has the potential to deliver huge benefits for Northern Ireland".

Matthew Hall, chief executive of Belfast City Airport, said the economic benefits of the plan are significant.

"We want more passengers to arrive by public transport and leave their cars at home," he said.

"Delivery of our master plan is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that will benefit passengers and businesses across the region, whilst delivering key elements of the Northern Ireland Executive's programme for government."

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

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," she said.

"Belfast is a city on the rise and that requires the City Airport to be ready to help us unlock our future potential in the next decade and beyond."

What do Belfast City Airport passengers think?

A photo inside the airport where a man and woman sit with their luggage. The man, who is wearing glasses, rests his phone on his knee. The woman is leaning on a bag pack.

Alan and Sue Thompson said Belfast City Airport could do with a makeover

Alan and Sue Thompson, from New Zealand, are planning to travel across Ireland. They arrived in Belfast City Airport after flying from Glasgow.

"This is our first time in this airport - compared to other airports we've seen around the world it could benefit from a makeover, but our experience at the airport has been positive," Mr Thompson said.

A woman with black hair wearing a blue blouse and coat standing outside an airport in front of luggage trolleys

Linda Hill said a train stop to the airport would be good for Belfast

Linda Hill, who was travelling to Southampton to visit her son, said a hotel would help people whose flights are delayed.

"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."

Man wearing a black coat

Brian McMullan said a train would help cut back on car usage

Brian McMullan, from Larne, was heading for a flight - he said a train would help cut back on car usage.

"I had to drive to a friends house and he had to drive me here, so that's two cars on the road, where if there was a train I wouldn't have needed a car at all," he said.

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