Bristol Airport’s multi-million pound terminal extension has been officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal – 15 years after she performed a similar ceremony at the then-new terminal building.
In 2000, when The Princess Royal officially opened the terminal, the airport handled just 2.2m passengers.
Numbers have since soared to an expected 6.7m this year – highlighting the need for the airport’s new £8.6m extension – while the number of destinations served by its airlines has doubled.
The extension – the result of a 12-month build programme – has significantly enlarged the departure lounge with hundreds of additional seats as well several retail and catering brands and a second executive lounge.
A stand-out feature is an outdoor rooftop terrace area with views of arriving and departing aircraft, including bar and restaurant seating under a retractable roof.
The design features finishes, colours and textures inspired the airport’s locality, with the use of timber and reeds alongside interior planting reflecting the region’s natural beauty. A striking lighting feature makes use of Bristol’s iconic blue glass to dramatic effect, with the glass chandelier sculpted in the shape of the River Avon flowing through the city.
During the visit and tour of the terminal The Princess Royal met key stakeholders, representatives of the local community, business partners and staff. To add a festive spirit to the event, pupils from Wrington Primary and Winford Primary Schools sang traditional Christmas carols in the main check-in area.
One of the first stopping points on her tour showcased work already underway on a second terminal extension, to the western end of the main building.
This £24m project, the largest since the terminal itself opened in March 2000, 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 second extension will take the total investment in the airport’s infrastructure since 2010 to more than £120m.
Work has also started on a 201-room Hampton by Hilton Hotel, which is also set to finished next year.
Airport chief executive officer Robert Sinclair, pictured above with Her Royal Highness, said: “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.”
At the end of the visit Her Royal Highness unveiled a commemorative plaque which will be permanently placed in the terminal building. She was also presented with handmade Bristol Blue Glass Christmas decorations as a memento of her visit.
