After seeing record-high passenger numbers, a major UK airport has revealed a huge £400m investment programme to boost customer experience.
Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees said the improvements to the international travel hub in North Somerset would take place over the next five years, including boosting the size of the terminal by 70%.
In comments reported by Bristol Live, Lees outlined some of the key changes, including work to streamline passengers’ arrival and departure from the airport.
“These developments have already commenced with the biggest change to security in over a decade,” he said, adding: “New security baggage and body scanners were installed over the summer, which has eased the experience as passengers no longer have to remove liquids or electrical items such as laptops from their hand luggage.
“The feedback from travellers has been overwhelmingly positive, although remember not all airports have invested in this new technology, so you may not benefit from the same improvements on your return journey, even if you’re arriving back into another UK airport.”
Lees said the flagship scheme, which is currently under construction, includes “a new enlarged public transport area, a drop and go section for private cars and a new multi-storey car park”.
He said an undercover walk to and from all these new facilities will be available from next summer, and enlarged undercover waiting facilities will also be added to The Public Transport Interchange for use by its “growing number of bus and coach routes, as well as our on-site Silver Zone parking area.”
Lees said the scheme has been designed to improve customer experience, address congestion and improve traffic flow.
It comes after Bristol Airport saw a record number of passengers last year, welcoming almost 9.8 million, according to the British Aviation Group, the leading representative body for British companies involved in aviation and airport development and operations.
“Looking ahead to 2025, the airport will also be embarking on transforming the experience for customers inside the terminal,” Lees said.
The work on the terminal will include improvements to the departure lounge and adding more restaurants.
“It will also be substantially increasing the immigration area, baggage reclaim hall and the number of baggage reclaim units over the next three years,” he said.
Lees said the investment is also good news for businesses in the surrounding area.
“The enhancements we’re making will also be welcomed by international tourists who use the airport to explore the West and South Wales, visiting attractions and attending events – all of which is vital to those working in the tourism and hospitality sectors,” Lees said.