- MoU signed between Belfast City Airport and Translink
- 2040 Master Plan vision for new halt on Belfast-Bangor line
- Potential first airport on island with dedicated rail connection
- Would serve extended terminal buildings via pedestrian bridge
- Infrastructure Minister welcomed All-Island Strategic Rail Review progress
Belfast City Airport and Translink have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, setting out how they intend to work in partnership to support the ongoing development and appraisal of options which seek to improve connectivity between Translink’s network and Belfast City Airport. Belfast City Airport’s 2040 Master Plan outlines the airport’s vision for a new halt on the current Belfast to Bangor line that could directly serve the extended terminal buildings via a new pedestrian link bridge across the Sydenham Bypass. A range of options will be examined which will seek to improve the user experience, safety and accessibility for Translink and Belfast City Airport passengers.
If progressed, the enhancement to rail access has the potential to deliver improvements to airport accessibility, encouraging a shift from private car use to public transport. It could also potentially make Belfast City Airport the first airport on the island of Ireland with a dedicated rail connection directly serving its terminal. Chief Development Officer Tim Halley stated the partnership reflects a shared ambition to enhance connectivity and unlock opportunities that could benefit passengers, employees, local communities and Ireland as a whole.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins welcomed this development, noting the All-Island Strategic Rail Review highlighted the importance of improving rail connectivity to airports and that no major airport on the island is currently served by rail. Translink Group Chief Executive Gerard Carlin added the partnership has the potential to significantly enhance safety, accessibility and overall connections between the rail network and Belfast City Airport. No option has been formally selected or approved for delivery at this stage.
Chief Development Officer Tim Halley shared the partnership with Translink reflects a shared ambition to enhance connectivity and unlock opportunities that could benefit passengers, employees, local communities and Ireland as a whole.
