Bristol Airport (BRS) in southwest England has launched a public consultation on its proposed masterplan for expansion through 2040, which is aimed at accommodating growing passenger demand and boosting regional connectivity.
The plan targets an increase in annual passenger capacity to 15 million by 2036, up from the current limit of 12 million. Terminal space would almost double from the current 70,000 m² (750,000 ft.²) to 130,000 m².
A 150-m (490-ft.) runway extension is proposed to accommodate larger aircraft capable of serving new long-haul routes to destinations such as New York and Dubai. The extension would remain within existing airport boundaries. Planned airfield upgrades include wider taxiways and apron expansions to reduce congestion and delays.
Aircraft movements are projected to rise from 85,990 to 100,000 annually, with up to 35 additional movements on peak days. While night flying restrictions would remain, the airport plans to increase night flights by 1,000 annually, averaging four per night during peak periods.
BRS CEO Dave Lees acknowledged concerns about carbon emissions but emphasized the plan’s focus on “responsible growth” aligned with UK carbon budgets. The airport aims to achieve net-zero operations by 2030 and net-zero emissions for all activities by 2050.
Noise concerns are being addressed through a review of the noise mitigation scheme, with proposals to provide noise insulation for affected households. The airport expects the impact of noise to lessen over time as modern aircraft, such as the Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737-8, replace older models. These quieter aircraft are expected to account for 75% of all movements by 2036.
The airport currently contributes £2 billion ($2.5 billion) annually to the economies of southwest England and nearby south Wales. By serving 15 million passengers per year, this contribution would be expected to rise to £3 billion. The expansion is also expected to reduce reliance on London airports, which currently attract 10 million passengers annually from Bristol’s catchment area.
The consultation is inviting feedback from residents and stakeholders until Jan. 31, 2025.
BRS is currently served by 10 airlines, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data, led by easyJet with a 59% share of all departure seats during November 2024. Overall capacity totals about 369,000 departure seats this month, marking a year-on-year rise of 4%.
The proposed expansion comes amid reports that investor Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (OTPP) is in talks with minority shareholders to sell its stakes in Bristol, Birmingham and London City airports in the UK, as well as Brussels and Copenhagen airports. The portfolio is estimated to be worth some £10 billion.
OTPP has been an investor in BRS since 2001 and holds a majority stake. Minority interests are held by Australia’s New South Wales Treasury Corporation, the Australian Retirement Trust and StepStone Group.
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