Belfast man with muscular dystrophy becomes first disabled pilot to land at international airport
A COUNTY Antrim man who was told he would never walk has made aviation history (May 15, 2025) becoming the first disabled pilot to land an aircraft at Belfast International Airport.
Matthew Monaghan, 35, took control of an Ikarus C42 belonging to the Ulster Flying Club, to fly solo into the airport – a powerful milestone not just for him, but for disability representation in aviation.
Born with a rare form of muscular dystrophy, Matthew was diagnosed at five years old. He was told he would likely never stand unaided. But through years of determination, he proved every prediction wrong by learning to walk, drive, study, and eventually fly becoming a hugely inspirational disabled pilot.
Speaking at Aldergrove yesterday evening, Matthew said: “Flying solo to Belfast International as a disabled pilot was an incredible milestone. As I began the descent, I felt a mix of excitement and determination, knowing how far I’ve come to reach this point. The landing was both thrilling and surreal – a reminder that with enough passion and perseverance, even the sky is not the limit. Touching down safely felt like a victory not just for me, but for anyone who’s been told that their dreams are out of reach.
“This landing means more than just touching down on a runway. It’s about proving that attitude can become altitude. Every challenge I’ve ever faced has shaped the person I am. Now I want to use that journey to inspire others.”
Empowerment
Matthew’s route into aviation came through Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) – a UK charity set up in memory of Sir Douglas Bader. After securing a place on the programme in 2017, Matthew trained intensively and went on to earn his pilot’s licence. Today, he mentors others as part of the charity’s growing network of scholar-pilots.
Through FSDP, he has been in the company of astronaut Tim Peake, broadcaster Carol Vorderman, aviator Polly Vacher, Red Arrows pilots and the Prince of Jordan. These influential figures he says, helped reinforce the importance of raising visibility for disabled people in all areas of life.
He added: “Accessible aviation is a real passion for me. There are still so many invisible barriers – physical, financial, even psychological. These stop people with disabilities from accessing opportunities like flying. But once you’re in the air, none of those matters. It’s total freedom. That’s the message I want to take out into the world.”
“Disability empowerment is about more than celebration,” he said. “It’s about access, equity and visibility. That’s why this landing matters. It opens the door for others to follow. Without FSDP, I wouldn’t be able to do what I am doing. It’s an incredible charity which really does teach people to reach for the sky.
Resilience
Matthew’s story of resilience. His reputation as an inspirational disabled pilot, has already earned him speaking slots at high-profile aviation events and he says this is just the beginning.
“I have been a guest speaker twice at the Royal International Air Tattoo. Speaking at events like this has opened my eyes to the impact one story can have. There’s a real appetite for lived experiences which challenge assumptions. I am grateful to now not be sitting behind a desk 9-5. Instead I am embracing a new career as a guest speaker encouraging others to reimagine what they’re capable of.”
Now dedicating his life to inspirational public speaking, and flying regularly, Matthew says he’s committed to making his journey count – not just in the air, but on the ground too.
“I’ve been grounded before. I know what it means to feel stuck. But I also know what it means to break through that. If I can speak to just one person who needs to hear that message – then every flight, every challenge, every step was worth it.”
Disabled Pilot
The Ulster Flying Club, based at Newtownards Airfield, has supported the flight.
Matthew added: “Staff and instructors welcomed me like anyone else. They worked tirelessly to modify their aircraft for me enabling me to fly, something that had never been done before here in NI. They had belief and faith that I had what it took to be a pilot like anyone else.”
With Belfast International Airport welcoming Matthew onto its runway, his story is already lifting others – showing that sometimes the strongest wings are the ones no one expects.
Thanks to Belfast Live for publishing Matthew’s Story and a big thank you too to the Belfast Telegraph
Notes to Editors:
The Ulster Flying Club is based at Newtownards Airfield and offers training and recreational flying opportunities in Northern Ireland. The Flying Scholarships for Disabled People (FSDP) was founded in memory of Sir Douglas Bader to support individuals with physical disabilities in achieving personal goals through aviation.
Matthew Monaghan’s flight will be the first recorded landing at Belfast International Airport by a licensed disabled pilot.
Images are available upon request. For interview requests, please contact eleanor@mgmpr.co.uk / 07709805379