Debate contribution: Belfast City Airport Master Plan

Debate contribution by Mr David Brooks on 11 May 2026.

MLA

Mr David Brooks

Party at the time

Democratic Unionist Party

Date

11 May 2026

Type

Debate contribution

Business

Private Members' Business

Heading

Belfast City Airport Master Plan

Assembly identifier

Official Report component 5524238

Read the official Assembly record

Text

Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker. I welcome the debate that we have had today and thank all Members for their contributions. While we may yet divide on the amendment, there is a lot of commonality in what has been said around the Chamber. I share some of my colleagues' frustrations that the much-anticipated report on Northern Ireland's air connectivity, which was commissioned by the Department for the Economy, was published almost two years ago. Yet, despite the clear recommendations contained in the York Aviation report, we are still waiting for the Department and the Minister to produce a comprehensive aviation strategy that would allow Northern Ireland to compete more seriously on the global stage. It is time for the Department to match the ambition that we have talked about in the Chamber and heard about from those in the sector. Without improved air connectivity, we risk leaving our economy dormant, disconnected and unable to seize the growth opportunities that exist globally. Northern Ireland cannot afford to lose out because of a lack of vision for our aviation sector or because of continued delay in delivering the strategic direction that our airports need.

We heard your contribution, and we recognise that there are issues to be resolved. The Department for the Economy needs to step up, however, and we need to see greater delivery against its ambitions.

Yes.

Both Members' contributions are on the record. Whatever flag we look to, whether it be that of the UK or the Republic of Ireland, we are, to all intents and purposes, island nations. We often hear the term "these islands", while others talk about the "British Isles". Regardless of the term that is used, connectivity, be it with the rest of the United Kingdom, which continues to be our largest market, or with the rest of Europe and beyond, is vital to our economic development. Our airports are not just transport hubs. They provide gateways to foreign direct investment, tourism, exports and international business opportunities. They support world-class manufacturing and engineering sectors that connect Northern Ireland to key markets across the globe. Indeed, I say from the point of view of an East Belfast MLA that the City Airport's location, right at the heart of our aerospace manufacturing industry, is not coincidental, as its history shows. That is why we strongly welcome the regeneration plans contained in the master plan. The master plan represents a major opportunity for our economy and the wider tourism sector. As has been said, passenger numbers are projected to rise to seven million per annum over the lifetime of the plan. Such growth would generate an estimated £1·7 billion in added value to our economy and support more than 23,000 jobs across Northern Ireland, including 1,100 additional jobs directly on the airport site. The Minister for the Economy has been somewhat shy at times to champion previous investments in our economy, particularly those in the aerospace, defence, security and space sector, which is so key in my constituency in particular, but I hope that she will get behind the master plan. The contribution that was made on her behalf gives us some hope in that regard. At a time when the Assembly repeatedly discusses productivity, investment and employment, the figures that were stated earlier cannot be ignored. Demand for air travel across the island is expected to more than double by 2040, to 90 million passengers. Northern Ireland alone will need to handle 21 million passengers by that stage. The City Airport master plan is therefore essential in order for the aviation sector to be able to keep pace with demand. Importantly, as has been said, growth is being proposed without a runway extension, which I know caused concerns in the past. Instead, it focuses on the smarter and more efficient use of existing infrastructure through terminal expansion, additional aircraft stands, improved taxiways and modernised airfield operations. One particularly exciting proposal that has been touched on is the groundbreaking development of a new rail halt serving the airport terminal, which, as has been said, would be the first on the island. It would greatly help local communities, particularly people in Sydenham in my constituency, who often have to deal with those who wish to avoid car parking charges at the airport by parking in the area.

Yes.

I take the Member's point about signage and so on, but I do not think that it is the most convenient of halts. The parking issues that I am talking about are caused largely by people who park at the halt and then walk to the airport. I think that some changes to parking there have led to that situation. Development in that respect would be welcome, but, in the meantime, it certainly would not hurt to look at making improvements. I am sure that those at the airport, and no doubt the Minister for Infrastructure, will be listening closely.

A rail halt would be transformative for passengers, connectivity and sustainable transport, and there is considerable enthusiasm among local groups that it would be a boost to the local community and community tourism in Northern Ireland and in east Belfast. We know that there are ambitions to extend the greenway network in that direction with plans for the Sydenham greenway. Currently, around 27% of travellers to and from Northern Ireland use Dublin Airport. Improving connectivity and transport links through Belfast City Airport would help to ensure that more tourists and business travellers choose Northern Ireland's airports instead, bringing greater economic benefit directly to our regional economy. The master plan demonstrates real confidence in Northern Ireland's future. It will strengthen links with the rest of the United Kingdom, create jobs, attract private investment and improve competitiveness. Of course, environmental responsibility matters, and Belfast City Airport has shown that progress can be made. The airport has achieved a 44% reduction in carbon emissions since 2019, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental improvements can, as Members have talked about, go hand in hand. However, there is always the danger that overly rigid or poorly designed regulations could discourage that investment, limit route expansion or undermine the competitiveness of our local airports. We do not want to see a repeat of situations where major infrastructure projects are endlessly delayed because of unrealistic, impractical policy approaches. What is needed is balance in supporting sustainable growth while ensuring that Northern Ireland remains economically competitive and connected. It is vital that our Departments work together to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of the master plan. We want the Economy Minister to step up and deliver for the aviation sector and remedy the ongoing absence of an aviation strategy. The aviation report commissioned by the Department made clear that such a strategy is essential to the future success of aviation in Northern Ireland. The report was critical of the fact that Northern Ireland's tourism strategy fails to directly acknowledge that improved connectivity is necessary to grow tourism. That must change, and it must change quickly. Today, the Assembly faces a clear choice. Do we support growth, investment and connectivity, or do we continue down a path of delay, uncertainty and bureaucracy? The master plan is about confidence in Northern Ireland's future. It is about ensuring that our economy can compete internationally, attract investment and create opportunities for the next generation. The DUP will continue to champion investment, support economic growth and back the flagship projects that deliver real benefits for the people of Northern Ireland. I support the Belfast City Airport master plan, and I encourage others across the Chamber to do likewise by supporting our motion.

1,269 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

Assessment

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Assessed 21 October 2026 at 15:38 UTC by jev-1.13.0 (requested as typesafe/jev) under rubric 2026.10-r9, methodology 1.9.

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