On Monday, November 25, Bristol Airport started a two-month long public consultation allowing people to comment on its future plans. The Airport is consulting on its new masterplan for expansion to 2040. If approved, the proposals would enable the airport to offer more connections and serve new destinations, including a limited number of new long-haul flights to destinations such as the east coast of America and the Middle East. A dedicated website provides more information, including an interactive map: https://bristolairport-futureplans.co.uk
The masterplan to 2040 will look at expected passenger growth beyond the current allowance of 12 million passengers per annum, so it can serve up to 15 million passengers per year by around 2036.
A planning application is likely to go to North Somerset Council next year.
Proposals include terminal extension, supporting facilities, airfield/runway expansion, transport capacity improvements and an increase in car parking provision.
Bristol Airport is England’s third largest regional airport, acting as the international gateway for the South West of England and South Wales. With more than 10 million passengers passing through the terminal during the past 12 months and links to over 115 destinations, across 34 countries, more than all the other airports in the region combined, including to major hub airports for onward connections.
The proposed increase in passengers from 12 million passengers per annum to 15 million passengers per annum, will see aircraft movements increase from 85,990 to 100,000 per year in the longer term to meet demand for air travel.
While night flying restrictions would remain, the airport is proposing to increase night flights by 1,000. On average, this means four per night on a busy night in the peak period.
UK Government policy supports the growth of airports outside the south east of England that make better use of existing runways, and that grow and develop new routes and services.
The consultation runs until Wednesday, January 25, 2025.
The most likely impact on our parish would be likely to be increased traffic, increased night flights, increased noise and possible unauthorised vehicle parking. The Parish Council will consider its position on the expansion at its next public meeting on 9th December.
