Just weeks ahead of the much-anticipated opening of its east terminal extension, Bristol Airport has announced the next major phase in its comprehensive expansion programme – a £24 million (€34m) extension of its west terminal, which will transform the security search process for its passengers. The most significant construction project at the airport since the existing terminal building opened in 2000, this second major extension to the terminal will see the introduction of state-of-the-art technology to a significantly enlarged security area that will deliver a faster, more efficient experience.
Bristol Airport is continuing to transform the airport experience for its passengers, with its next major construction project commencing in July. More spacious security search and arrivals areas will ease congestion and deliver faster, more efficient processes ready for summer 2016.
The 9,000sqm new terminal structure will be roughly two-and-a-half times larger than the £8.5 million (€12m) east terminal extension, set to be completed next month, and will feature an enlarged baggage reclaim area, customs facilities, arrivals retail, and meet and greet area, easing congestion and improving services for arriving passengers.
Work on the west terminal extension will get underway in a matter of weeks and is scheduled for completion in summer 2016. Upon its opening it will house 10 security lanes in the central search area alongside two additional security channels in a dedicated Fast Track zone. An enlarged preparation area and significantly longer 21m lanes will enable more passengers to prepare for inspection simultaneously, reducing wait times and raising customer service standards.
The new security search area will house 10 lanes alongside two additional security channels in a dedicated Fast Track zone. An enlarged preparation area and significantly longer 21m lanes will enable more passengers to prepare for inspection simultaneously, reducing wait times and raising customer service standards. It will create a more attractive and comfortable environment and help to remove some of the stress associated with air travel.
As well as delivering immediate benefits to arriving and departing passengers, construction of the west terminal extension will also create space for future improvements to immigration facilities, and bottlenecks at busy times to be addressed.
Bristol Airport is presently in discussion with security technology providers to ensure the new facility maximises the use of state-of-the-art equipment. The coming together of increased space, a more streamlined process and the latest generation of security technology is expected to deliver an industry-leading passenger experience at the gateway. “Once completed, this major development will take the total investment in our terminal and wider airport infrastructure since 2010 to over £120 million,” Robert Sinclair, Bristol Airport’s Chief Executive, said. “Not only will the west terminal extension ease the congestion we are experiencing at times this summer as a result of high passenger volumes, it will create a more attractive and comfortable environment and help to remove some of the stress sometimes associated with air travel. This is going to give us a clear advantage over the competition,” he continued, “by making it more attractive for airlines to fly from Bristol, and it is a significant step towards achieving our vision to provide passengers from the South West and Wales with a world-class customer experience when flying in and out of their local airport.”
State-of-the-art technology will be introduced to a significantly enlarged security area in order to deliver a faster, more streamlined process.
“With this development we are responding to changes in security requirements, airline business models and passenger behaviours which have resulted in a greater quantity of hand baggage being carried through our central search area,” Chris Ware, Head of Security at Bristol Airport, added. “The west terminal extension enables us to design new layout and processes tailored to meet this challenge but with the flexibility to adapt to evolving security needs without inconveniencing passengers. In combination with the introduction of innovative technology – some of which will be new to the UK market – the new facility will enable us to transform this vital part of the airport experience without compromising stringent compliance requirements.”
The new extension will also enable the creation of a spacious new arrivals area, with enlarged baggage reclaim and customs facilities. There will be more space for shops, as well as a much-improved meet and greet area, easing congestion and improving services for arriving passengers.
As one construction project gets underway another is nearing completion, with Bristol Airport’s east terminal extension set to open in July. This will create space for hundreds of additional seats in the departure lounge, as well as the introduction of several new retail and restaurant brands including JD Sports, Accessorize, and the new Traveller store, which will bring a range of major brands and the latest fashion, selected to capture the excitement and exhilaration of travelling, together under one roof. The extension will also house a second executive lounge and feature an unusual outdoor terrace area with retractable roof.
The east terminal extension has been designed to reflect the culture of the South West region, with finishes, colours and textures taking inspiration from Bristol Airport’s locale. The use of timber and reeds alongside interior planting nods to the region’s natural beauty, while a striking lighting feature makes use of Bristol’s iconic blue glass to dramatic effect. A similar approach will be taken in the west terminal extension, creating a relaxed ambience in the security search area for what is traditionally seen as a stressful part of the airport journey.
Beyond the airport, boundary improvements to the transport system across the West of England – including the construction of a South Bristol Link – are well underway and will enhance access from the north, east and west once completed in 2016.
