Our Campaign - The 3 Airports
Airports serve as key gateways for business and tourism, yet none of the airports in Ireland are currently connected by rail – despite rail passing close by all 3 of NI's airports.
Airports serve as key gateways for business and tourism, and are significant generators of people and traffic movements. Despite this, none of the airports in Ireland are currently connected by rail – despite rail passing close by all 3 of NI's airports.
The Union Connectivity Review highlighted the lack of rail connectivity to NI's 3 airports, and recommended that it be addressed.
Belfast International Airport
The disused Knockmore Line passes the edge of Belfast International Airport (6.3million passengers in 2019), less than 1 mile from its entrance. The line runs from Antrim to Lisburn & was withdrawn from public use in 1995. It is still maintained and in use today by Translink for training purposes.
If the Knockmore Line was reopened, it is likely former stations along it at Ballinderry, Crumlin & Glenavy would also be reinstated.
Belfast City Airport
The Belfast-Bangor rail line runs opposite Belfast City Airport (2.5million passengers in 2019), with Sydenham Station a 15min walk away – via an exposed footbridge above a very busy dual carriageway road (i.e. unsuitable for wheelchairs, prams, heavy luggage etc).
City of Derry Airport
The Derry-Belfast line runs alongside the runway at City of Derry Airport. The airport currently serves London, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh as well as seasonal holiday routes.
