Belfast City Airport and Translink have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on developing and appraising ways to improve links between the public transport network and the airport. The work will focus on enhancing the user experience as well as improving safety and accessibility for passengers using both services.

As part of its 2040 Master Plan, Belfast City Airport has set out a vision for a new rail halt on the existing Belfast to Bangor line. The proposal could connect directly to extended terminal buildings via a new pedestrian bridge over the Sydenham Bypass.

If progressed, enhanced rail access could significantly improve airport connectivity and support a modal 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 serving its terminal.

Tim Halley, Chief Development Officer at Belfast City Airport, commented: "Belfast City Airport has always been defined by its convenience and location at the heart of Belfast. As passenger expectations evolve and sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration, we must continue to look at innovative ways to make journeys to and from the airport easier and more efficient.

"This partnership with Translink reflects a shared ambition to enhance connectivity and unlock opportunities that could benefit passengers, employees, local communities and Northern Ireland as a whole. "Exploring the potential for a rail halt serving the airport is an exciting step in our long-term vision to create a more integrated and sustainable transport network."

No option has yet been selected or approved for delivery. Belfast City Airport confirmed it will work closely with Translink on the next phase of assessment.

Gerard Carlin, Translink Group Chief Executive, added: "Our vision is to make public transport first choice for travel, today for tomorrow, and this exciting partnership has the potential to significantly enhance safety, accessibility and overall connections between the rail network and Belfast City Airport.

"It reflects our commitment to connecting communities and supporting economic, social and environmental wellbeing across Northern Ireland, ensuring that attractive and sustainable travel choices are embedded into the airport's future plans."

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins welcoming this development said: "The All-Island Strategic Rail Review highlighted the importance of improving rail connectivity to our airports, noting that no major airport on the island is currently served by rail. This Memorandum of Understanding demonstrates our continued commitment to advancing those recommendations and to placing sustainable public transport at the heart of our economy, society, and future growth."

For more on Belfast City Airport's future plans, visit: belfastcityairport.com/vision.