Bristol Airport's ambitious masterplan consultation, envisioning developments up to 2040 to accommodate the region's surging demand, is at its halfway mark with locals urged to contribute before the deadline. Dave Lees, Bristol Airport’s chief executive, has delved into the details of this blueprint, which aims to offer connections to far-flung destinations, such as the US east coast and the Middle East.
"It's imperative that we look ahead to the future," he said. "That's why we recently published our master plan to 2040 to set out what new development is required and how best we utilise existing infrastructure as we plan for the longer term. This is something every airport is required to do, as it helps to inform the local and regional planning process."
He elaborated on the resurgence of air travel post-Covid and the public's desire for convenient travel from their local airport, which frames Bristol Airport's strategy moving forward.
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Mr Lees said the airport was experiencing unprecedented passenger volumes, with an all-time high of 10 million people flying to over 115 places last year.
He said: "Desire to fly from Bristol Airport is forecast to grow to around 15 million passengers by 2036. To meet this rising demand and to provide a local alternative to the millions who travel many miles to use London airports each year, it is essential we look to the future now.
"An increase in passengers from the current cap of 12 million passengers per annum to 15 million passengers per annum, would see aircraft movements increase from 85,990 to 100,000 per year in the longer term to meet demand for air travel."
However campaigners previously voiced opposition to expansion plans. In November, Jackie Head from the Bristol Airport Action Network expressed her disappointment saying: "It doesn't consider the needs of local people, it doesn't consider its climate impact."
She also disputed the airport's projected economic benefits and job creation, citing research showing the airport tends to exaggerate these figures.
'Plans must meet the needs of our communities'
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However, Mr Lees said "plans must meet the needs of our communities, our customers, businesses and local people.' He added: "We serve many different people, for many different reasons.
"A key element of our masterplan is to ensure we can unite even more people as well as offering more destinations. Plans to link people directly to the East coast of America and Middle East have been very well received.
”These new routes wouldn't require a new runway, just an extension by 150 metres - around the size of one and a half football pitches - within our existing boundary."
Other airfield improvements would include widening of taxiways so that two narrow body aircraft could travel safely in the opposite direction, or two aircraft could travel side by side, filtering into position just ahead of take-off.
The proposals also include a larger terminal building, with walkways directly serving aircraft in a bid to reduce passenger transport to aircraft by bus; and more on-site facilities including retail, food and drink and an additional hotel; and more space for flight catering, engineering and other requirements for airport businesses.
Improvements to the A38 also form part of the plans including a dedicated north bound and south bound bus lane, road widening and changes to the airport's internal road system near Silver Zone, the complimentary waiting area and car rentals.
Mr Lees emphasised the significance of Bristol Airport to the regional economy, noting their ambitions to bolster its growth. "The airport contributes around £2bn of gross value added to the South West and South Wales economies. Our plans for growth to 2040 would increase this to £3bn," he added.
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"We are proud to be one of the largest employer sites in our area. The Airport provides over 5,000 jobs on-site, both through direct employment and via the 70 plus businesses that operate within the Airport. Around 70% of people working at the Airport live within 20 miles."
A website detailing the proposals has been launched, with Mr Lees urging everyone to visit and participate as there is still time to influence all aspects of the plans. The website can be accessed at www.bristolairport.co.uk/future-plans. The consultation period ends at 11.59pm on Friday, January 31.
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