Belfast City Airport and Translink have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the assessment and development of options to strengthen links between Translink's network and the airport.

The agreement, dated 20 August 2026, sets out how the partners will work together on feasibility and appraisal.

A range of measures will be explored to enhance the passenger experience, safety and accessibility for users of both Translink services and Belfast City Airport.

The airport’s 2040 Master Plan outlines a proposal for a new rail halt on the existing Belfast–Bangor line, with a pedestrian bridge over the Sydenham Bypass providing a direct connection to the extended terminal buildings.

If advanced, the rail access improvements could boost airport connectivity, encourage a shift from private car use to public transport and potentially make Belfast City Airport the first airport on the island of Ireland with a dedicated rail link 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.

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"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."

While no option has yet been selected or approved for delivery, the airport said it will work closely with Translink on the next stage of the process.

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 welcomed the development: “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 information on Belfast City Airport’s vision for the future, visit: belfastcityairport.com/vision.