Transport Secretary Chris Grayling officially opened Bristol Airport’s new £24m west terminal extension this afternoon as the airport prepares to handle more than 8m passengers next year.
The extension transforms the security search process for passengers as well as creating an enlarged baggage reclaim area, customs facilities, more retail space and a meet-and-greet area.
This year more than 7m passengers will have passed through the airport, which now serves 116 destinations across 30 countries – including 16 capital cities. 
On his first official visit to the airport, Mr Grayling, pictured, unveiled a plaque in the state-of-the-art security screening area at the heart of the new 9,000 sq m development.
He said: “Our regional airports are vital engines for growth, supporting local economies, creating jobs and boosting tourism opportunities. The significant investment that Bristol Airport is making will secure the future of this important transport link for the South West and make a real difference to the growing number of passengers who travel through it each day.”
Planning permission is in place for further expansion to allow it to handle 10m passengers a year.
Nearly £150m has been invested in the airport, which is owned by Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, since 2010.
Airport chief executive officer Robert Sinclair said: “This new extension transforms the departure experience for passengers, and the ‘sense of place’ we are instilling throughout the terminal aims to create a similarly positive impression for inbound visitors.
“I was delighted to have the opportunity to show the Transport Secretary how we in the South West are playing our part in demonstrating that the UK is open for business, and discussing areas where government can make a difference, such as overseas tourism marketing and surface transport links.”
Completion of the terminal extension will enable the immigration hall to be enlarged by spring of next year, with plans in place for a £2.3m upgrade including the installation of up to 10 of the latest ePassport gates. A further £20m is being invested across the airport’s car parks and a 201-room Hampton-by-Hilton hotel will open in February.
