As a business rooted in the heart of the community, Belfast City Airport’s purpose is to provide safe, fast and efficient connectivity to and from the UK, Europe and beyond, enabling the economy and community to grow together – all with a commitment to responsible business at the heart of everything it does.
About Belfast City Airport
Guided by its vision to drive economic vitality and build a more inclusive, connected, and sustainable future for all, Belfast City Airport extends its efforts beyond its core operations and across the aviation sector, supporting the industry’s goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Through its Sustainability Strategy, the airport outlines a long-term commitment to empower people, enhance community wellbeing, and foster an environmentally conscious workforce.
The strategy is focused on three key pillars: ‘Our People, Our Community, and Our Environment’, helping the airport maintain its reputation as a responsible business dedicated to delivering meaningful and lasting positive impact across the places it calls home.
The issue
As a significant connector for Northern Ireland’s business and leisure economy, Belfast City Airport recognises the responsibility it has to minimise environmental impact while continuing to support economic growth and regional connectivity.
With increasing expectations on businesses to address climate change, protect biodiversity, and create positive social value, the airport identified the need for a long-term, strategic approach to sustainability that would enable it to play its part in advancing its people, strengthening communities, and protecting the environment for future generations.
What Belfast City Airport did
As part of its sustainability commitments, Belfast City Airport implemented clear policies and procedures designed to protect and enhance both the environment and the community.
Central to its approach is a dedication to environmental stewardship through the implementation of sustainable practices that minimise resource use, maximise renewable energy, reduce carbon emissions, and manage local impacts.
Key activities include setting a near-term carbon emissions reduction target, reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (location-based) by almost 13% against a 2022 baseline, introducing Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for all airside vehicles and equipment, and purchasing 100% green electricity since 2013.
In 2025, biodiversity-focused Community Fund projects directly benefited 265 pupils and improved seven local school grounds through £10,000 of funding. As part of these projects, 1,750 native tree seeds were planted, contributing to local conservation efforts.
As a result of Belfast City Airport’s ongoing sustainability efforts, in 2026 it achieved Platinum Status in Business in the Community’s Environmental Benchmarking Survey for the sixth consecutive year and secured Silver level in the Business and Biodiversity Charter, reflecting its continued leadership in responsible business practice.
The airport’s commitment to being a good neighbour extends beyond environmental responsibility, with deep-rooted ties to fostering strong partnerships, shared prosperity, and community wellbeing.
Through its Community Fund, Belfast City Airport has donated over £771,000 to 261 projects, supporting initiatives across Greater Belfast and North Down that promote education, social cohesion, and inclusion.
In 2025, the airport supported 32 grassroot projects, including Braniel Primary School’s garden initiative which engaged over 350 children and staff in environmental education through hands-on learning experiences.
Donna Livingstone, Primary Two teacher at Braniel Primary School, said:
“This project gives every pupil the opportunity to take part in hands-on gardening, understand the importance of caring for the environment, and experience the pride that comes from seeing their hard work flourish.
“It has been amazing to watch the children’s confidence and curiosity grow as they care for the garden and learn about the world around them.
“The support from Belfast City Airport has not only provided the tools and resources we need but has also strengthened our school community. We are very grateful to Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund for helping make this possible.”
This builds on wider programmes such as its IGNITE Youth Leadership Programme, which has supported 150 young people in their personal and professional development, and the High Flyers Apprenticeship Programme, which tackles youth unemployment and improves access for women in male-dominated industries, with 100% of participants progressing into full-time employment.
For more information on Belfast City Airport’s Sustainability Strategy, visit www.belfastcityairport.com