Controversy is likely to follow today's news that a planning application to extend the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport has been submitted.

The airport already expects to attract about two million passengers next year, with the plan to extend the runway at Sydenham from its existing length of 1,829m by 600m, increasing the scope of the airport to cope. However, residents' groups are opposed to further expansion even though an official 'Examination in Public' in 2006 gave the green light to an increase in traffic.

Residents are worried over the impact of increased traffic on noise, pollution and the increased danger of an air accident.

Last month, a modified planning agreement between the Department of the Environment and the airport was signed.

The deal will see the number of passenger seats sold annually rise to two million although a cap on flight numbers will be imposed.

Speaking today, the airport's Chief Executive Brian Ambrose said the runway extension would allow planes to fly further, to new destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.

Mr Ambrose said it would not involve an increase in flights or a change in the opening hours.

"A longer runway will allow a longer take-off and landing distance that will facilitate aircraft to carry full fuel loads and maximum passenger numbers, which at present is not possible.

"We have made no secret of our ambitions to fly to a select number of European destinations, which, if the runway is extended, will undoubtedly improve customer choice and value," he said.

"We would like to make it clear that we have no intention of introducing 'wide-bodied' aircraft to our airport.

"Thus the size of the aircraft currently using the airport will not increase."

Ryanair, which has been flying from the airport since October 2007, has already hinted that if no runway extension was forthcoming that would mean "Ryanair would expand at other locations" instead of develop its operations at Belfast.

Ryanair's modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft are subject to restrictions on the number of passengers they can carry on take-off.

The aircraft, which has 189 seats, is permitted to carry only 140 passengers on departing flights, but if the runway were lengthened they would be able to carry a full payload.

Belfast City Airport was recently sold, for £132.5m to the ABN AMRO Global Infrastructure Fund.

Meanwhile, Derry City Council is considering selling the city's airport.

The Council's Chief Executive, Valerie Watts said City of Derry Airport could be in private hands in three years time.

However, DUP Councillor and MLA, Gregory Campbell, said that while he supported the move, he feared the 'credit crunch' could affect the financial return and urged the body to wait for an improvement before selling.

See: Airport Plan Wings Its Way To Approval

See: Ryanair To Close Valencia Base

See: Angry Residents Oppose Extra 3,000 City Flights

(BMcC)