Bristol Airport, the regional airport based in the South West of the UK, has announced that it plans to extend its runway, and will offer long-haul flights to North America and the Middle East, in what it calls ‘Materplan 2040’.
Amongst the plans is an extension to the current terminal building, with accompanying improvements to food and retail spaces. There also plans to build a new hotel. Culminating in improvements and installation of new taxiways, and an improved apron.
The most eye-catching aspect of the plan is to extend the runway, allowing larger aircraft to land at the airport, and offering a wider scope for destinations.
With a population of around 5.3 million, it is probably slightly surprising that there isn’t an airport in the region with the capacity to handle intercontinental flights. Indeed, the nearest is London Heathrow, some 93 miles away from Bristol – a journey of around three hours, on a good day.
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lee said in a statement:
“We’ve seen since the pandemic a real resurgence in terms of people wanting to connect with friends and family across Europe as well as across the world and that will inform our plans as we go forward over the coming years. The Master Plan will look at what further development might be required to meet this growing demand for air travel and we would welcome input from people to help shape our plans.”
Ongoing Environmental Concerns
It is not the first time that the airport has announced plans to expand.
Indeed, in 2o18, a similar announcement was made and met with considerable backlash. 84% of locals voted to reject plans to extend car parking areas onto protected land around the airport. A wave of protests were arranged at the airport and in the local area by pressure groups such as Extinction Rebellion. In the end, the local council rejected the Airport’s plans 18-7.
At the time, Don Davis, leader of the local council said:
“What the committee has considered is that the detrimental effect of the expansion of the airport on this area and the wider impact on the environment outweighs the narrower benefits of airport expansion. I know some people will be upset by this decision and I am sure that we can reconsider it in future when the airline industry has decarbonised and the public transport links to the airport are far stronger.”
However after an appeal, the plans were passed, and work began in 2023 to improve the infrastructure around the airport. A new transport hub, improved roads and pathways, and the construction of a 2,000-space multistory car park were all constructed.
The current plans involve the airport aiming to become net zero on emissions by 2050. Meanwhile, the airport is to be net zero on operations by 2030.
The consultation started on 24 November and will continue until January 2025, and for more information visit here.
If you’re interested in flying from Bristol over the Christmas period, have a look at this article.
Does the UK need another international airport? It’s a relatively small island, after all. Or is the extra choice it offers to a consumer a benefit? Let us know in the comments.
