Heathrow expansion could open the door to new Belfast connection, according to new research

 Heathrow expansion could open the door to new Belfast connection, according to new research

• New research identifies Belfast International Airport as one of five UK airports most likely to gain Heathrow connections through expansion

• New domestic links would boost trade, tourism and investment across the UK. In Northern Ireland alone, a new route could generate £28.6 million per year in additional tourism spending.

• Belfast International Airport, other regional airports and businesses urge the Government to unlock the benefits of Heathrow expansion for the nations and regions of the UK as quickly as possible

New research by Frontier Economics has identified Belfast International Airport as one of the UK airports most likely to benefit from new or restored connections to Heathrow, when additional airport capacity is delivered by a third runway.

The analysis also highlights Cornwall Airport Newquay, Leeds Bradford Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Teesside International Airport as the strongest candidates for new domestic links to the UK’s hub airport, based on clear evidence of underlying demand.

Heathrow already plays a vital role in connecting Northern Ireland and the wider UK to global markets. Heathrow currently has direct links to George Best Belfast City and City of Derry Airport, supporting business, tourism and international travel. These routes alone are estimated to support £68.79m in gross domestic tourism spending and £38.23m in gross international tourism spending each year. More broadly, Heathrow’s 13 domestic routes carried almost 5 million passengers in 2025, supporting around £1.2bn in tourism spend across the UK. Together, these connections are essential for communities across the country, supporting jobs, attracting visitors and linking local economies to international opportunities.

A new route, such as one to Belfast International, operating three times per week could generate £28.6 million in tourism spending in Northern Ireland per year according to Frontier, helping to bring more international visitors into the region while supporting local businesses from hotels and restaurants to exporters and manufacturers.

For the last twenty years Heathrow has been operating at capacity, with airlines often prioritising the use of limited slots for long haul destinations. As a result, domestic connections have been lost, with passengers relying on indirect routes via overseas hubs, offshoring the benefits of connectivity away from the UK.

While airlines make decisions on which routes operate at Heathrow, Frontier Economics’ research shows that new routes are viable and expansion would give airlines the headroom to introduce and reinstate connections, bringing more of the UK within easy reach of Heathrow’s global network.

Heathrow already supports a range of measures to protect and strengthen domestic connectivity, through the domestic passenger discount and work with the GREAT campaign to showcase the best of the UK. Heathrow will also continue to play its part in advocating wider policy reforms, ensuring Public Service Obligation regulations are fit for purpose, amend UK slot allocation rules to include domestic connectivity as a primary criterion, and abolish domestic Air Passenger Duty.

New domestic links, alongside strengthened existing domestic services, could deliver substantial economic benefits. If these top five routes were introduced and operated 5 days a week, the combined impact could be significant, generating around £335 million in additional tourism spending and supporting thousands of jobs in the UK’s tourism and hospitality sector.

That’s why regional airports and businesses call on Government to unlock the benefits of Heathrow expansion for the nations and regions of the UK as quickly as possible.

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive, NI Chamber said: “Aviation is critical enabling infrastructure for Northern Ireland’s export‑led growth, which has a unique reliance on air connectivity to Great Britain and key European markets. Existing routes between Heathrow and Belfast City Airport are vital for facilitating trade, tourism and investment. Enhancing services further through Belfast International Airport would boost our competitive proposition and strengthen access to global markets.”

Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Heathrow, said: “Domestic connectivity has always been central to Heathrow’s role as the UK’s only hub airport. For many communities, these links are not a luxury, they are a lifeline, connecting people and businesses to opportunities across the UK and around the world. With additional capacity, we can strengthen these vital connections and ensure every part of the country can benefit from Heathrow’s global network.”

To read the full report and supporting analysis visit:  Link available tomorrow, after embargo lifts.