Bristol Airport Plans Expansion to 15 Million Passengers
Bristol Airport (BRS) in southwest England has launched a public consultation on its proposed expansion masterplan through 2040, aiming to meet growing passenger demand and enhance regional connectivity. The plan, which seeks feedback from the public and stakeholders until January 31, 2025, outlines key upgrades designed to boost the airport’s capacity and infrastructure.
The expansion plan targets an increase in annual passenger capacity to 15 million by 2036, up from the current limit of 12 million. To achieve this, terminal space would nearly double, from 70,000 m² (750,000 ft²) to 130,000 m². This expansion would accommodate more passengers while improving the airport experience.
A critical component of the expansion is a proposed 150-meter (490 ft.) runway extension to support larger aircraft for new long-haul routes to destinations like New York and Dubai. The extension would remain within the current airport boundaries, with other airfield upgrades including wider taxiways and apron expansions to alleviate congestion and delays.
Bristol Airport also expects a rise in aircraft movements, projecting an increase from 85,990 to 100,000 annually by 2036, with up to 35 additional movements on peak days. While night flying restrictions will stay in place, the airport plans to add 1,000 night flights annually, averaging four per night during peak periods.
CEO Dave Lees acknowledged concerns about carbon emissions but emphasized that the expansion would align with UK carbon budgets and focus on responsible growth. The airport is committed to achieving net-zero operations by 2030 and net-zero emissions for all activities by 2050. Noise mitigation strategies are also being addressed, with plans for noise insulation for affected households. The introduction of quieter aircraft models like the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737-8 is expected to reduce noise impacts as they replace older aircraft, accounting for 75% of movements by 2036.
The expansion would also significantly impact the local economy, with Bristol Airport’s current contribution of £2 billion ($2.5 billion) to southwest England and south Wales set to rise to £3 billion with the increased passenger traffic. The expansion is also expected to reduce reliance on London airports, which currently attract 10 million passengers annually from Bristol’s catchment area.
The consultation process will run through January 31, 2025, and is open for feedback from the public, residents, and stakeholders.
Bristol Airport is currently served by 10 airlines, with easyJet holding the largest market share at 59% of all departure seats in November 2024. Total capacity for the month is approximately 369,000 departure seats, a 4% increase year-on-year.
The proposed expansion comes amid reports that investor Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) is in talks to sell its stakes in Bristol, Birmingham, and London City airports, as well as in Brussels and Copenhagen airports. The portfolio is valued at an estimated £10 billion. OTPP has held a majority stake in Bristol Airport since 2001, with minority interests held by Australia’s New South Wales Treasury Corporation, Australian Retirement Trust, and StepStone Group.
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