Belfast City applies for runway extension
14.11.08
Belfast City Airport has submitted a planning application to extend its runway by 590 metres in the direction of Belfast Lough. If granted, it will allow planes to fly further, to new destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean. The airport says that it would not involve an increase in flights or a change in the opening hours.
Airport managing director Brian Ambrose said: ‘A longer runway will allow a longer take-off and landing distance. This will allow aircraft to carry full fuel loads and maximum passenger numbers, which is not possible at present.'
‘We have made no secret of our ambitions to fly to a number of European destinations, which, if the runway is extended, will improve customer choice and value. We have no intention of introducing 'wide-bodied' aircraft. Thus the size of the aircraft currently using the airport will not increase.’
However, campaign group Belfast City Airport Watch (BCAW) said the runway extension would be an ‘irreversible nightmare’ for residents in east and south Belfast. A spokesman said: ‘The runway extension will enable airlines to fly aircraft with heavier fuel loads. That means jets will be noisier and will fly lower. Whatever assurances the airport provides, there's nothing to stop airlines using big jets on all 48,000 of its permitted annual flights.'
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