News / Bristol airport
Bristol Airport plans to meet future demands of 20 million passengers a year
People are getting their first chance to comment on a new master plan for the future of Bristol Airport.
As the main international gateway for the South West, it is anticipated that passenger numbers will increase from eight million a year, to as much as 20 million by the mid-2040s and proposals are being drawn up to meet this demand.
Options currently on the table include plans for a second terminal and public transport interchange, that could possibly incorporate a rail or other mass transit station, as well as a multi-storey car park and ‘drop-off zone’.
Plans could include provision of a second terminal (photo: current departure lounge)
Residents received their first glimpse of the plans and had chance to give their views on Tuesday, November 28, at the first in a series of public meetings held as part of a 10-week consultation which will run until Friday, January 26 2018.
Janis Kong, chairman of Bristol Airport, said: “This year, Bristol Airport celebrated its 60th anniversary and the region we serve has never looked more vibrant, diverse, innovative and exciting.
“To ensure we can continue to provide the connectivity vital to such a dynamic and outward-looking part of the world, we need to consider the next chapter in our story, up to and beyond our centenary year.”
Bristol Airport flies to and from more than 120 destinations (Photo: bmi regional aircraft landing at Bristol Airport)
Currently the ninth busiest airport in the UK, and the fifth largest outside London, Bristol saw passenger numbers grow by more than 10 per cent in 2016, and it will serve more than eight million passengers this year alone.
A number of design options have been laid out, with consideration given to key principles of expanding a world-leading regional airport, creating employment and supporting economic growth, providing an integrated transport hub, sustainability and ensuring there is flexibility to deliver growth in phases and value for money.
Simon Earles says feedback is needed to help shape the future of the airport. Photo by Dan Regan
“This consultation is the first step in preparing a strategic plan to meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming decades,” said Simon Earles, planning and sustainability director at Bristol Airport.
“We want to know what is important to our neighbours, passengers, airlines and business partners so we can take these opinions into account as we develop more detailed proposals.”
Bristol Chamber of Commerce and Business West has welcomed the consultation on long-term plans for the airport and encouraged businesses in the region to give feedback.
Chairman James Durie said: “Bristol, Bath and the wider South West region needs a successful international airport as a critical part of its infrastructure and fit for the future.”
For full details of the consultation, including dates and venues for the drop-in events, visit: www.bristolairport.co.uk/future.
Read more: Come fly with me
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
