Steve Aiken UUP MLA backs City Airport's ‘master plan’ for economic growth

UUP Finance spokesperson Steve Aiken MLA has welcomed the unveiling of the George Best Belfast City Airport's draft Master Plan 2040. 

The plan, which includes a pioneering new rail halt, is projected to unlock £200 million in private investment. It is also expected to generate a significant £1.7 billion for the Northern Ireland economy annually by 2040 and support over 2,000 jobs.

Steve Aiken said: 

“Our airports are vital to our economy, allowing business to flourish and tourism to grow. Too much of our traffic is routed through Dublin. Traveling down the M1 to grab a connecting flight is neither environmentally friendly nor a good use of time.

“Advances in aviation, including new Airbus aircraft part-built in Belfast, mean less pollution, less noise, and longer ranges. Both Belfast City and International need support. As a Party, we have called time and again for the scrapping of APD.

“Now, we must allow our airports to develop, unfettered by planning ‘air’ blocks, and to grab the majority of travellers coming into and out of Northern Ireland, rather than exporting them through Dublin.”

The draft Master Plan is open for public consultation until November 11, 2025. The full document can be viewed at belfastcityairport.com/vision.