Night closures on Belfast International Airport route as £816,000 works begin
Tuesday 29 September 2026
Travellers heading to Belfast International Airport are being urged to allow extra journey time as an £816,000 resurfacing scheme brings overnight closures to one of its approach roads.
Work has started on approximately two kilometres of the A57 Ballyrobin Road at Killead, between the A26 Killead Roundabout and the Airport Roundabout.
The affected stretch links the A26 with the airport, forming part of the approach for traffic coming through Templepatrick or from the Nutts Corner direction. Full overnight closures are scheduled during three working weeks in October.
Airport access remains available
Passengers, airport staff and people collecting or dropping off travellers should check their route before setting off, particularly for journeys between 7pm and 6am during the closure periods.
Access to the terminal and airport car parks will remain available throughout the works from the Antrim town direction, via the A57 Dublin Road, Antrim Road and Airport Road.
That means drivers travelling from Ballymena should check which approach they intend to use: the works affect the Ballyrobin Road approach, while access from the Antrim town direction remains available.
Road closure dates and times
Daytime lane closures began on Monday 28 September, operating from 9.30am to 4.30pm with temporary traffic lights. The published end date for this first phase contains a discrepancy, listing “Friday 1 October”, although 1 October is a Thursday.
Full overnight closures between the Airport Roundabout and Killead Roundabout are scheduled for Monday 5 to Friday 9 October, Monday 12 to Friday 16 October, and Monday 19 to Friday 23 October. Each listed night’s closure will operate between 7pm and 6am.
Daytime lane closures are then scheduled from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, between 9.30am and 4.30pm, with temporary traffic lights. Trafficwatch NI says airport-bound traffic will receive priority during the daytime lane closures.
Diversions for airport traffic
During the overnight closures, traffic approaching the airport from Killead Roundabout will follow a signed diversion via the A26 Oldstone Road, A6 Belfast Road, A6 Belmont Road and A57 Dublin Road.
A separate HGV diversion will use the A57 Ballyrobin Road, A6 Antrim and Belfast Road, A6 Belmont Road and A57 Dublin Road, avoiding the low bridge on Oldstone Road.
The Department for Infrastructure says steps have been taken to accommodate local access and Translink bus and school services throughout the scheme. However, drivers should expect delays and comply with temporary traffic restrictions.
Work expected to finish by 30 October
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the resurfacing would improve the strength and surface quality of the road for residents, businesses and other road users.
She said:
“I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
The scheme is expected to be substantially complete by Friday 30 October, subject to favourable weather. The Department says it will keep the public informed of any changes.
Anyone travelling to the airport during the works should allow additional time and check the latest restrictions before leaving.
