Bristol Airport reveal record passenger numbers and expansion plans

Bristol Airport has announced that passenger numbers for summer 2018 contributed to the highest number of customers over a 12 month period.

Numbers surpassed eight million for the first time and the airport is now making further plans for expansion with their ‘Master Plan for 2050’.

Currently the ninth biggest airport in the UK and fifth outside London, Bristol is asking local communities, regional stakeholders and the general public to provide feedback through an online questionnaire, with a series of events to be held across the South West for first hand feedback.

Senior management will be on hand at these events and a draft master plan will be subject to further private and public consultation in spring 2018.

In comparison to 2016, the airport saw a rise of more than 10% in this year’s figures and with the addition of three new routes, plus further expansion plans – the airport is looking at extending capacity beyond the current limit of ten million passengers a year.

Simon Earles, Planning and Sustainability Director at Bristol Airport, said: “Bristol Airport has come a long way since the publication of its first Master Plan in 2006.  Passenger numbers have increased by more than 50%, yet the total number of flights remains lower than a decade ago as a result of higher load factors.

“A series of long term strategies are currently being developed to ensure the continued success of our region.  It is important the Airport plays its part, so we want to hear views on how we can best do this.”