URGENT UPDATE: Stormont officials are pushing to retain two smaller airports in Belfast, despite alarming data showing that Dublin Airport is rapidly overtaking them in passenger numbers. This crucial decision comes as civil servants reveal concerns over a 25-year-old warning that without a single regional hub in Belfast, Dublin would continue to siphon off air traffic from Northern Ireland.
Declassified files from the Public Record Office in Belfast spotlight the tensions within Stormont regarding a study by the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR). The report highlighted the long-term viability of air travel in Northern Ireland, suggesting that the establishment of a single airport hub in Belfast was essential to compete effectively against Dublin Airport’s growth.
Officials have expressed their preference for maintaining both airports in Belfast, even considering a complete rewrite of the consultants’ report to support their stance. One official remarked, “We need to keep our options open and ensure Belfast remains a viable travel option for local and international passengers.”
The implications of these discussions are profound. As Dublin Airport continues to expand, the potential for economic loss in Northern Ireland could be significant. Authorities fear that if action isn’t taken swiftly, Belfast could see a drastic decline in air traffic, impacting tourism and local businesses reliant on travel.
This developing situation has sparked heated debates among politicians and stakeholders in Northern Ireland, emphasizing the need for decisive action. With increasing passenger traffic at Dublin Airport, which has already surpassed pre-pandemic levels, the pressure on Belfast’s airports intensifies.
What happens next is crucial. As the Stormont administration grapples with this pivotal decision, stakeholders are urging for immediate dialogue to explore options that could fortify Belfast’s position in the face of Dublin’s dominance. The future of air travel in Northern Ireland hangs in the balance, and the urgency for a strategic response has never been more pressing.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as officials continue to assess the impact of their decisions on Belfast’s airports and the broader Northern Ireland economy.
