The proposed expansion of Bristol Airport has started lively discussions from Bristol Live readers, with views ranging from climate change concerns to calls for better transport links. The airport’s consultation on its 2040 masterplan, aimed at meeting the region’s growing demand, is halfway through, with only a few weeks left for public input.
Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, shed more light on the plans, which include connecting passengers to more destinations such as the east coast of America and the Middle East. “It’s imperative that we look ahead to the future,” he said.
“That’s why we recently published our master plan to 2040 to set out what new development is required and how best we utilise existing infrastructure as we plan for the longer term. This is something every airport is required to do, as it helps to inform the local and regional planning process.”
He added: “At Bristol Airport, we constantly look at trends in air travel and since Covid, the appetite to connect by air has only increased with people wanting to spend more time with their friends and loved one’s as well as exploring new places. And crucially people want to be able to travel from the convenience of their local Airport. All of this informs our plans as we go forward over the coming years.”
Discussions on infrastructure maintenance include these comments from Fuocoardente who had this to say: “It would be valuable to get a perspective from someone integral to operations at the airport with respect to continuation of the existing Silver Zone Parking infrastructure. I have heard on a number of occasions that passengers can travel on the bus from there to the terminal without charge. FACT.”
Bs3bob adds: “As much as I’m all for a bigger, better airport, they, along with the relevant councils need to sort out the transport links. And no, that doesn’t just mean adding another bus or two.”
Fisherman19 writes: “I suggest Bristol Airport sorts out the infrastructure it has at the moment. What a mess!”
Joehill99 feels: “I think it’s a brilliant idea… I love to travel. I once went to Cyprus. Lucky number 7 for me. But realised I have a big fear of planes and flying. But I still love to watch them take off and land from my flat. As a postman I prefer my feet firmly on the floor!”
Magnus1975 comments: “Some of the airport’s destinations may well be under water by 2040. How about taxing airlines for the fuel they use and stop the unsustainable growth of aviation? Flying to a Christmas market or seeing Santa for the day in Lapland is definitely the way to trash the planet.”
Holdencaulfield believes: “Much of the low lying bits of north Somerset and Bristol town centre will certainly have seen at least one big tidal flood by then but isn’t the lesson from watching a solid chunk of LA burn down yet see it drop from the newsflow after a few days that nobody is going to do anything?”
Bs3bob replies: “Haven’t we also learned by now that climate change is global, so other that a bit of moral slapping of backs, if the UK went net zero tomorrow and we all went camping in the Downs for holidays, it would have negligible impact and temperatures will still rise and the levels will still flood more often. Obviously we, as the UK need to reduce emissions, and we are, but impoverishing and making our lives more difficult,and boring for negligible global climate results is madness. But hey, we can all congratulate ourselves when the lights and heating go out.”
While over on our Facebook page, Kevin Hall writes: “Needs a direct train line. It is where it is so no motorway will be built but a train line wouldn’t take too much effort. Now trams would be even better.”
Chloe Naldrett says: “As the climate crisis unfolds around us, we have to understand that flying is violence. Instead of expanding airports we should be imposing frequent flyer levy’s, so that flying becomes what it used to be: something done out of necessity and only occasional indulgence. We can’t all keep jetting off whenever we feel like it. Or we watch more cities get inundated by floods and fires.”
Andrew EJ states: “Just needs a good motorway connection.”
Shirley Owen comments: “No cover from parking to airport. Most others do. Why, when we have awful weather is it not straight through? Sod the pretty paving.”
So what do you think Bristol airport needs to do, to make it a first class airport? Let us know in the comments below or HERE.