Budget airline easyJet has called for a public inquiry into controversial proposals to extend the runway at George Best Belfast City Airport.
Amid growing speculation that planners are set to give the green light to the 600-metre extension, the operator urged the Government not to make a decision until the public had their say.
The runway plan would allow planes with heavier fuel loads to take off, opening up further-afield destinations in Europe and the Mediterranean.
But it has been met with opposition from a number of local residents near the east Belfast hub who claim it would see noise levels rise to unbearable levels.
The proposals are being backed by one of easyJet's main competitors Ryanair which hopes to fly its larger aircraft out of the airport.
EasyJet's intervention, in the form of an open letter to Stormont Environment Minister Edwin Poots, comes a week after another of Ryanair's rivals - Flybe - raised concerns about the plan.
EasyJet UK General Manager Paul Simmons said airlines, passengers and local residents had the right to clear answers on the proposals and a chance to make their voice heard as part of a public inquiry before any decision is taken.
"What Northern Ireland needs right now is a strategic review on optimal runway capacity overall for the Belfast market," he wrote.
Mr Poots will have the final say on the plans once the recommendation of planning officials is received.
The majority of easyJet flights in and out of Northern Ireland use the International Airport at Aldergrove, about 20 miles from Belfast, but the airline recently unveiled plans to operate a route to London Luton from George Best Airport.
A spokesman for Mr Poots said the minister would examine the matters noted by EasyJet.
"The application is under consideration and a decision will be made on the way forward as soon as it is possible to do so," he said.
© Press Association