The first of Bristol Airport’s two major terminal extensions opened to passengers today following a 12-month build programme and £8.6m investment.
The east terminal extension includes a significantly enlarged departure lounge featuring hundreds of additional seats as well several retail and catering brands new to the airport.
A stand-out feature is an outdoor terrace area with views of arriving and departing aircraft, including bar and restaurant seating under a retractable roof.
The extension has been designed to capture the essence of the South West with finishes, colours and textures taking inspiration from the region including extensive use of timber and reeds and a striking lighting feature made from Bristol’s iconic blue glass.
Work has already begun on the £24m western terminal expansion which will transform the security search process for passengers when it opens next summer, as well as creating an enlarged baggage reclaim area, customs facilities, arrivals retail, and meet and greet area.
Once completed this will take the total investment in infrastructure at Bristol Airport since 2010 to over £120m.
Bristol Airport chief executive officer Robert Sinclair said: “More than 750,000 passengers are set to fly from Bristol Airport during July and August alone, and we are confident they will be wowed by this new extension and the space, comfort and wider choice it provides.
“Combined with the west terminal extension we recently announced, this development is a significant step towards achieving our vision to provide passengers from the South West and Wales with a world-class customer experience when flying in and out of their local airport.”
Other developments underway at the airport include improvements to its car parks and the construction of a 201-room Hampton by Hilton hotel set to be completed next year.
Pictured: Bristol Airport’s new cabin terrace
