Bristol Live readers are dubious about the news that Bristol Airport is on a mission to improve passenger journeys with an investment exceeding £400m. In the past six months, the airport has embarked on its biggest project to date, reshaping both arrival and departure processes for passengers.
The improvements will see more room in the terminal along with new technological upgrades. The immigration area, baggage reclaim hall and the number of baggage reclaim units will also be substantially increased,
By 2025, another phase will see improvements within the terminal itself – from bigger lounges to new restaurants. Meanwhile, airport officials continue to stress their commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly progress, placing emphasis on public transport links. They point to the large solar farm at the airport and are happy to report that the use of Hydrated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel for landside buses has cut emissions by around 50% from vehicles owned by the airport annually.
Dave Lees, Chief Executive Officer at Bristol Airport, expressed enthusiasm about the developments: “This latest development at Bristol Airport – to meet demand for air travel and improve the experience – is bringing about a significant boost to the local economy, from employment opportunities to supporting the local companies.”
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Commenter Magnus1975 thinks: “This is just greenwash by Bristol Airport. Building a new multi-storey car park won’t reduce congestion on the inadequate road links and using HVO fuel for buses will make little difference if the airport keeps expanding the number of flights. Aviation can’t keep growing in the current unsustainable way. Airlines don’t pay any tax on fuel, so why don’t the polluters pay and reduce the demand for air travel? It is mainly leisure trips from Bristol, so at some point we are going to have to reduce our use of cheap flights abroad for the sake of the planet.”
Chloe Naldrett agrees: “Greenwash! When they’re bragging about their emissions they’re not counting the planes! Or the car journeys to get people to the airport. It’s like bragging about your driveway being sustainable, but ignoring the SUV parked on it.”
Coconutter says: “I hope the public transport offering is drastically improved. Long Ashton to the airport is an 8 minute drive or a £35 taxi, yet there is no public transport to the airport without going back into town first.”
Balderino asks: “How about the most needed improvement? A rail link!”
IfanJoroc agrees: “You’d think with the numbers that are predicted each year after this expansion, that a rail connection of some sort would surely be a no-brainer?! Well, it is for everyone apart from the people who make the decision. Parson Street station is literally 5 miles away, such a simple fix.”
LuciusSuperbus adds: “Agreed, but it has taken over 30 years not to build the Portishead-Bristol railway.”
Tooner2401 says: “No doubt they will continue to charge us for dropping people off! £6 for 30 seconds is crazy! Then when we are picking up all the outer roads are full of cars waiting for flights to arrive and at busy times it’s carnage! Not expecting totally free parking but drop off should be free for 10 minutes!”
GasLee asks: “Can they spend some of that money on baggage handlers? It’s a joke you have to wait 45 minutes for your suitcase every time you land here!”
Bearable agrees: “Well stated GasLee, the wait for our luggage has now been 45 mins plus on two occasions in the last year. There is no means to comment or receive information about the delays.”
Mark Dury is more positive: “Fantastic local airport can’t wait for new development, needs better transport links though.”
How do you feel about the new improvements? Will they make you more likely to use Bristol Airport? Have your say in our comments section.