Bristol Airport has launched a consultation setting out a masterplan to 2040 to meet the strong and growing demand of people in the region using the Airport.
The proposals would enable the Airport to provide more connections and serve new destinations, including a limited number of new longer-haul flights, connecting the region directly with destinations such as the east coast of America and the Middle East. The future development is forecast to support more than 37,000 jobs in the South West and South Wales – including an additional 1,000 jobs at the Airport, with employment focused on areas including Weston-super-Mare and South Bristol.
Bristol Airport has) started a two-month long consultation on its proposals allowing opportunity for people to help shape the future plans. A dedicated website provides more information – including an interactive map – detailing proposals, which are also being shared with local residents this week.
There are now more than 10 million passengers a year using Bristol Airport, providing more than 5,000 local jobs and contributing £2 billion to the regional economy. Connecting the region to more than 115 destinations increases productivity, supports businesses and enables inbound tourism. 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. This will set a clear development intent to be given due consideration in the local planning process, with a planning application likely to be going to North Somerset Council next year.
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. Bristol Airport’s proposals to provide new destinations would reduce the journeys to London airports, which 10 million passengers make from the South West and South Wales every year.