‘Roads to International Airport in urgent need for upgrades’ – Robin Swann MP

Robin Swann MP at Belfast International Airport with CEO Daniel Owens.

South Antrim MP Robin Swann has called on the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to prioritise significant upgrades to the road network around Belfast International Airport, describing the current condition as detrimental to both commuters and Northern Ireland’s first impression to visitors.

Following a recent behind-the-scenes visit to the airport and a meeting with Chief Executive Dan Owens, Mr Swann said the matter demands immediate attention.

“In addition to the much-needed rail links to the International Airport, the existing road infrastructure surrounding the airport needs to be an urgent priority for the Infrastructure Minister,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of a positive visitor experience, Mr Swann stressed that the road conditions play a key role in shaping perceptions of Northern Ireland.

“For many of those visiting Northern Ireland as tourists, on business or to see family, the airport – and the drive from the airport to wherever they’re heading – is their first impression of Northern Ireland – so we need to make it a good one.”

The MP noted that while Belfast International Airport is preparing for a major £100 million redevelopment over five years, and has already spent significantly on road signage for infrastructure managed by DfI, government action is required to address the surrounding public roads.

“The International Airport site itself will see an investment of over £100m as part of a five-year investment plan, and the Airport has recently spent thousands of pounds on signage for Department for Infrastructure roads. It is now up to the Department to maintain the roadways leading to and from the airport.”

Mr Swann also cited concerns raised by constituents who live near or work at the airport and regularly use the affected routes.

“Many of my constituents live around the airport, and a significant number work there and commute on these roads. I’ve had quite a few of these constituents getting in touch with my office to raise their concerns about the state of the roads, and I know this is an issue the senior management of the airport have raised with the Department as well.”

He pointed specifically to the A26 between the airport and the Killead roundabout, as well as a network of rural backroads heavily used by local residents, all of which he described as in “significant need for investment”.

While acknowledging the fiscal challenges facing DfI, Mr Swann insisted that strategic infrastructure near such a vital site should be considered a top-level priority.

“I am fully aware of the budgetary constraints facing DfI, but this is an incredibly important site. I call on the Minister to make connectivity to the International Airport, by both rail and road, a top priority for her Department as this site is not only the gateway to Northern Ireland, but also a hugely significant employer in the Antrim area.”

Context:

Belfast International Airport, one of Northern Ireland’s key transport hubs, currently lacks a direct rail link and relies heavily on surrounding road networks, many of which have fallen into disrepair.

Calls for improved access have intensified amid growing passenger numbers and ongoing investment in airport infrastructure.