Bristol Airport’s masterplan promises a world of new destinations

Bristol Airport’s Masterplan Unveils Exciting New Travel Destinations

Bristol Airport’s masterplan aims to enhance connectivity and meet rising travel demand by 2040

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Bristol, UK, Bristol Airport, Travel, Masterplan, Destinations

Bristol: Bristol Airport is in the middle of a consultation about its masterplan for 2040. They want to meet the growing demand from travelers in the area. There’s only a few weeks left for folks to share their thoughts.

Dave Lees, the CEO, shared some exciting details about the plans. They’re looking to connect people to more destinations, including spots on the east coast of America and the Middle East.

He emphasized the importance of planning for the future. The masterplan outlines what developments are needed and how to make the best use of what they already have. It’s a requirement for all airports to help with local and regional planning.

Since COVID, more people want to travel. They’re eager to spend time with friends and family and explore new places. And they want to do it from their local airport, which is a big part of their plans moving forward.

Passenger numbers are booming, with over 10 million travelers using the airport to reach more than 115 destinations. Mr. Lees mentioned that they expect this to grow to around 15 million by 2036.

To handle this increase, they’re looking to raise the current cap from 12 million to 15 million passengers a year. This would mean more flights, going from about 86,000 to 100,000 annually.

However, not everyone is on board with the growth plans. Some local campaigners have expressed concerns, saying the proposals don’t consider the community’s needs or the environmental impact.

Despite the pushback, Mr. Lees insists that the plans are designed to benefit everyone. He highlighted how the airport connected over 110,000 people with their loved ones during the holiday season.

They’re also planning to improve the airport’s infrastructure without needing a new runway. Just a small extension and some upgrades to taxiways will help reduce congestion and delays.

There are plans for a bigger terminal, better walkways, and more facilities for travelers. They want to make the experience smoother, with features like travellators and improved retail options.

Public transport access is also a priority, with more people using buses to get to the airport. They’re planning to add more parking options for those who prefer to drive.

Mr. Lees mentioned the importance of a mass transit system and how they’re reserving space for a new transport link in their masterplan.

He believes Bristol Airport is vital for the local economy, contributing around £2 billion. With the new plans, they hope to boost that to £3 billion by 2040.

Currently, the airport supports over 5,000 jobs directly and around 30,000 in the wider region. They’re aiming for about 1,000 new jobs on-site by 2040, many of which will go to locals.

They’re also looking into the environmental impact of their plans and want to reduce any negative effects. They’re working with airlines to bring in quieter aircraft and have set ambitious targets for reducing emissions.

They’re committed to becoming a net-zero airport by 2050 and are exploring options for hydrogen-fueled and electric aircraft.

For those interested, there’s a website with more details about the proposals, and the consultation period is open until January 31. It’s a great chance for everyone to get involved and share their views.

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-airports-masterplan-promises-world-9852484