Stop Belfast City Airport's Passenger Limit Being Removed

Tens of thousands of Belfast and north Down residents are affected by aircraft noise, thanks to George Best Belfast City Airport. Many have their sleep disrupted by early morning and late night flights, and have to stop talking when a plane flies over because they can't be heard.

Belfast already has a second, larger airport with spare capacity - Belfast International - just 20 miles away. But the Northern Ireland Environment Minister, Edwin Poots, is already considering a plan by City Airport to build a runway extension - a proposal which is to be the subject of a public inquiry.

Now the Minister's announced he's considering removing the restriction on passenger numbers - known as the 'seats for sale' limit - in the airport's planning agreement with his department. He's said he favours lifting the cap and isn't even going to hold a proper public consultation on the proposal.

If he does remove the limit, it will almost certainly lead to a significant expansion by stealth of the airport, and the consequent noise problem faced by residents. Until now, the passenger restriction has meant that a mixture of smaller and larger aircraft have used the airport.

If this move goes ahead, there will be nothing to stop every plane being one of the larger and noisier types which currently flies from the airport. That would be a nightmare for local residents. Please support the residents and sign our petition.