The Dual Airports of Belfast: A Tale of Religious Divides and Economic Viability
When it comes to explaining why a city like Belfast has two airports, one might be tempted to resort to oversimplifying and labels like 'one for the papist taigs' and 'one for god fearing proddies.' However, such generalizations do a disservice to the complex, historical, and economic factors at play. So, let's delve deeper into the reasons behind the presence of two airports in Belfast and explore the nuances beyond religious labels.
Historical Context and Economic Factors
Belfast, and the broader Belfast region, has had multiple airports in its history. This isn't unique to Belfast; several major cities around the world, including London, Glasgow, and even Los Angeles, possess more than one airport for a range of reasons. Nevertheless, the unique history of Belfast contributes to the presence of two primary airports.
The first airport to open in Belfast was Aldergrove, which has had a monopoly over the airspace for decades. However, the charging policies of Aldergrove were quite discriminatory. They charged smaller planes for push backs even when the planes self-positioned and charged for air stairs for aircraft with built-in stairs. Moreover, baggage handling was charged per passenger booked rather than per bag transported. These policies often made it difficult and expensive for smaller airlines to operate from Aldergrove.
The Shorts Aircraft Factory and the Aldergrove Tower
Given the presence of the Shorts aircraft factory in Belfast, it was natural for this area to have a control tower and a fire station to support aircraft manufacturing. Additionally, Shorts was involved in the production of the SD330, a design for small airports with limited facilities. Demonstrating such aircraft would have been strategic for the company. With a runway control tower and fire station already in place, the decision to establish an airport for direct city-to-city flights was a reasonable choice. The control tower staff poached from Dan Air and other sources contributed to the success of the new airport.
The Irish Divide and City-to-City Flights
A key reason for the establishment of a second airport was the religious divide in Belfast. The SD330 demonstration flights provided an opportunity for smaller airlines to serve the city effectively, catering to a broader market. Malcolm Arnold, the head of Aldergrove's air traffic control, was tasked with opening a competitive airport with passengers. He recruited staff from Dan Air and other local airlines and even involved the fire department in baggage handling.
Despite the push from Aldergrove to establish these charges, it was clear that the market dynamics were changing. With the arrival of smaller airlines such as Embraer 111 and Shorts Skyvans, Aldergrove's policies proved to be a barrier to the growth of the aviation industry. By allowing 'city-to-city' flights from Aldergove to the new airport, the region could cater to a wider audience, including those from Protestant and Catholic communities.
Economic Viability and Competitiveness
The presence of two airports is not exclusively due to religious divides. Cities like London, with its multiple airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton; or even New York and Chicago, with two airports each, demonstrate that financial viability and market demand are significant factors in the establishment of multiple airports.
London's various airports serve different markets and provide competition, which helps to drive down fares and improve service quality. Similarly, in Belfast, the presence of two airports allows for better competition and a wider range of services, benefiting both passengers and airlines.
Conclusion
The dual airports in Belfast are a result of a combination of historical, economic, and socio-political factors. While the religious divide has historically contributed to the tension, the primary drivers of the two airport system are economic viability and a need for competitive markets. Understanding these dynamics provides a more nuanced perspective on why Belfast has two airports and how they serve the broader community.