Bristol Airport

File:cambrian viscount g-amon in 1963 arp.jpg Vickers Viscount loads at the airport in 1963]]

File:carvair and ambassador at bristol airport 1965 arp.jpg and the tail of an Airspeed Ambassador in 1965]]

{{Main|Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport}}

In 1927, a group of local businessmen raised £6,000 through public subscription to start the Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club,{{cite web | url= http://www.airportguides.co.uk/guides/bristol/history.html | title= The History of Bristol Airport | work= The Airport Guides | access-date= 10 December 2007 | url-status= live | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121016194204/http://www.airportguides.co.uk/guides/bristol/history.html | archive-date= 16 October 2012 | df= dmy-all }} a flying club initially based at Filton Aerodrome. In 1929, Bristol Corporation took up the club's proposal to develop farmland located at Whitchurch, to the south of Bristol, into a municipal airport.{{cite book |last=Wakefield |first=Kenneth |title="Somewhere in the West Country": The History of Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport, 1930–1957 |year=1997 |publisher=Crécy |location=Wilmslow |isbn=0-947554-65-3 |pages=1–2 }} On its opening by Prince George, Duke of Kent in 1930, Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport was the third civil airport in the United Kingdom. Passenger numbers grew to 4,000 by 1939.

During World War II, Whitchurch was the main civil airport remaining operational. The newly formed British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) was transferred to Whitchurch from Croydon Airport and Heston Airport.{{harvp|Wakefield|1997|pages=82–83}} BOAC operated routes around the British Empire and to neutral nations. The Bristol–Lisbon route (Portugal was a neutral nation and had both British and German planes flying there) was operated by the Dutch airline KLM, under charter to BOAC.{{harvp|Wakefield|1997|pages=91–93}} Winston Churchill even flew from Bristol.{{cite web |url=https://www.bristol-airport-guide.co.uk/history.html |title=Bristol Airport History: through the years |website=Airport Guides |access-date=20 August 2021 |archive-date=20 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820215117/https://www.bristol-airport-guide.co.uk/history.html |url-status=live }}

In September 1940, No. 10 Elementary Flying Training School RAF at RAF Weston-super-Mare established a Relief Landing Ground on {{convert|14|acre|ha}} at Broadfield Down by the hamlet of Lulsgate Bottom, southwest of the city and north of Redhill village. Being high, at {{convert|600|ft|abbr=on}}, the site had a poor weather record during warm front conditions, when it was often covered in low cloud. However, when this occurred the alternative airfields at Filton and Cardiff were usually clear and operational; and as Lulsgate was clear when the low-lying airfields were obscured by radiation fog in calm weather, the landing ground provided a useful alternative. Few facilities were constructed although pillboxes, defensive anti-aircraft guns and later two Blister hangars were added.{{cite book |title=Somerset airfields in the Second World War |last=Berryman |first=David |year=2006 |publisher=Countryside Books |location=Newbury |isbn=1-85306-864-0 |pages=87–104 }} In late 1940, a Starfish site was set up{{cite web | title=Civil Bombing Decoy C1I | work=PastScape | publisher=English Heritage | url=http://www.pastscape.org/hob.aspx?hob_id=1467954 | access-date=12 August 2013 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518074354/http://www.pastscape.org/hob.aspx?hob_id=1467954 | archive-date=18 May 2015 | df=dmy-all }} south of the village of Downside and just west of the airfield.{{cite book |title=The Story of RAF Lulsgate Bottom |last=James |first=Ian |year=1989 |publisher=Redcliffe Press |location=Bristol |isbn=0-948265-48-5 |pages=13–14 }} Its decoy fires attracted a large quantity of Luftwaffe high explosives and incendiaries on the nights of 16 March, 3 April and 4 April 1941 during the Bristol Blitz.{{cite book |title=Bristol at War |last=Penny |first=John |year=2002 |publisher=Breedon Books |location=Derby |isbn=1-85983-294-6 |pages=122–136 }}

In 1941, RAF Fighter Command planned to use the airfield for an experimental unit, and after requisitioning land from several adjacent farms, contracted George Wimpey and Company to begin work on 11 June 1941. However, its intended use soon changed into being a satellite airfield for the fighter squadrons based at RAF Colerne. Originally, the new airfield's name was to be RAF Broadfield Down.Penny (2002), p. 154. The airfield used a standard-issue three-runway layout resembling an A shape. The main, east–west runway was {{convert|3891|ft|abbr=on}} long, with a designated alignment of 28/10, and the others were {{convert|3281|ft|abbr=on}} aligned 21/03 and {{convert|3294|ft|abbr=on}} aligned 34/16. The first aircraft to land was a Luftwaffe Ju 88 at 06.20 on 24 July 1941. Returning from a raid, its crew had been deceived by the RAF electronic countermeasures radio beacon at Lympsham, which was re-radiating the signal from a Luftwaffe homing beacon at Brest, France.

By 1942, there was no longer a need for an additional fighter airfield. With its name changed to RAF Lulsgate Bottom, the airfield was declared operational on 15 January 1942. The Miles Masters, Airspeed Oxfords and Hawker Hurricanes of No. 286 (AA Cooperation) Squadron became resident, with the role of providing realistic exercises for ground anti-aircraft defences. However, as the site lacked some basic facilities, No. 286 moved to RAF Zeals in May.{{cite web|url=http://www.chew76.fsnet.co.uk/lulsgate/lulsgate.html |title=Lulsgate — Bristol Airport |publisher=Chew76 |access-date=18 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090630040828/http://www.chew76.fsnet.co.uk/lulsgate/lulsgate.html |archive-date=30 June 2009 }} From 1 June 1942, the airfield was under No. 23 Group of RAF Flying Training Command, and initially became a satellite airfield for No. 3 (Pilot) Advanced Flying Unit (3 (P)AFU), based at RAF South Cerney, flying Oxfords.James (1989), pp. 22–23. In March 1943, No. 1540 Beam Approach Training Flight RAF (1540 BATF) was formed at Lulsgate, again flying Oxfords.James (1989), p. 28. On 27 September 1943, 3 (P)AFU left Lulsgate for RAF Southrop, and was replaced on 1 October 1943 by No. 3 Flying Instructors School (3 FIS), which was previously headquartered at RAF Hullavington.James (1989), pp. 30–31. 3 FIS flew mostly Oxfords and some Masters.James (1989), p. 34.

In 1944, BOAC started to use the airfield for Douglas Dakota and Consolidated Liberator crew training, and BOAC flights made use of it occasionally as an alternate airfield for Whitchurch,Wakefield (1997), p. 112. and for topping-up fuel on the Bristol–Lisbon route.

On 6 February 1945, 1540 BATF left for RAF Weston Zoyland. On 18 July 1945, 3 FIS was absorbed into 7 FIS.James (1989), p. 39. With the war over, the RAF ceased training at Lulsgate on 15 April 1946, and the next month 7 FIS left the airfield and joined the Central Flying School at RAF Little Rissington. The RAF finally abandoned Lulsgate on 25 October 1946.James (1989), pp. 44–45.

From 1948, the site was the home of the Bristol Gliding Club. In 1949 and 1950, the Bristol Motor Cycle and Light Car Club hosted motor races on a {{convert|2|mi|abbr=on}} circuit known as Lulsgate Aerodrome, but due to planning and noise issues moved in 1950 to a site that became known as Castle Combe Circuit.

Whitchurch airport continued to be used after World War II, but the introduction of heavier post-war airliners made a runway extension highly desirable. However, this was difficult at Whitchurch, because of the nearby housing estates.Wakefield (1997), p. 147. In June 1955, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation agreed to sell the Lulsgate airfield to Bristol Corporation, for the development of a new airport there.{{cite news |title=New Municipal Airport For Bristol |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=23 June 1955 |page=5 }} Bristol Gliding Club moved out to Nympsfield in Gloucestershire.

In addition to the purchase price of £55,000, the city spent a further £200,000 by 1958 on building the terminal and other development.{{cite news |title=Bristol To Seek B.E.A. Service |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=1 October 1958 |page=3 }} In mid-April 1957, all air traffic was transferred from Whitchurch to the new airport.{{cite news |title=News in Brief |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=16 April 1957 |page=6 }} With the name of Bristol (Lulsgate) Airport, it was officially opened on 1 May 1957 by Princess Marina, Duchess of Kent.{{cite news |title=Court Circular |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=2 May 1957 |page=12 }} In the airport's first year it was used by 33,000 people. Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club also moved to Lulsgate.

In 1962, a new control tower was built,{{cite news |title=Picture Gallery |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=19 September 1962 |page=6 }} and in 1969 the runway was lengthened and extensions were made to the terminal.{{cite news |title=Take-off towards new success |last=Elliott |first=Harvey |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=8 July 1992 |page=27 }} In 1968 a new {{convert|5000|sqft|m2|abbr=on}} cargo transit shed was constructed. In 1974, the airline Court Line collapsed, causing a fall in passenger numbers.

By 1980, although 17 charter airlines were operating from the airport, it was making a loss.{{cite news |title=Leslie Wilson |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=4 December 1995 |page=21 }} Les Wilson took over as managing director in that year, a position which he held until his death in a car crash in November 1995; much of the airport's subsequent strong recovery over that period has been attributed to him.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/obituary-les-wilson-1584333.html|title=Obituary: Les Wilson|work=The Independent|location=London|publisher=Independent News and Media|date=30 November 1995|last=Belsey|first=James|access-date=7 April 2010|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107060235/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/obituary-les-wilson-1584333.html|archive-date=7 November 2012}} The airport moved back into profit in financial year 1981/82,{{cite news |title=Hopes fly high as the big boys pull out |last1=Reed |first1=Arthur |last2=Seton |first2=Craig |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=28 September 1983 }} and by 1983/84 the profit was £0.5{{nbsp}}million.{{cite news |title=Bristol |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=11 July 1984 |page=16 }} In 1984, an international departure lounge was added, with duty-free shops and a 24-hour air-side bar.

The Airports Act 1986 required every municipal airport with a turnover greater than £1 million to be turned into a public limited company.{{cite news |title=13 airports opt for first step to privatization |last=Elliott |first=Harvey |newspaper=The Times |location=London |date=15 December 1986 |page=2 }} On 1 April 1987,{{cite news |title=12 local authority airports begin operating as limited companies |newspaper=The Financial Times |location=London |date=1 April 1987 |page=6 }} Bristol City Council transferred the operation and net assets of the airport to Bristol Airport plc. The council retained full ownership of the company. However, under the terms of the Act, as long as the local authority retained a majority shareholding there were restrictions on the ability of the company to raise finance for capital projects.

In 1988, the airport opened a new concourse area. In 1994, a planning application for a new terminal was approved. With other projects also planned, the council decided to sell a majority shareholding in the airport, so that the restrictions imposed by the Airports Act on raising the necessary finance could be removed.{{cite news |title=Bus company in airport deal |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/29386.stm |date=11 November 1997 |access-date=15 August 2013}}

File:Bristol airport overview.jpg

File:Control Tower, Bristol Airport - geograph.org.uk - 3738102.jpg]]

File:15 Bristol Airport sloped runway with runway lights in early morning - Bristol UK.jpg

File:Bristol International Airport, terminal building departure area.jpg

In mid-1997, the airport's name was changed to Bristol International Airport.{{cite news |title=Survey - Bristol 97: Sell off, then take off |last=Adburgham |first=Roland |newspaper=The Financial Times |location=London |date=6 June 1997 }} In November 1997, the successful bidder for the purchase of a 51% stake in the airport company was revealed to be FirstBus. The remaining 49% was retained by the council. Work on the new terminal building had already started; it opened in March 2000, at a cost of £27 million.{{cite news |title=Airport's terminal is in use |newspaper=Bristol Evening Post |location=Bristol |date=7 March 2000 |page=3 }} In 2000, passenger numbers exceeded two million for the first time. A new control tower was built and the A38 road was diverted to cater for the installation of a Category 3 instrument landing system; these projects were completed in 2001.

In January 2001, the airport was purchased for £198& million, by a joint venture of Macquarie Bank and Cintra, part of the Ferrovial group.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/dec/21/7 |title=Over and out. FirstGroup sells Bristol airport |last=Gow |first=David |newspaper=The Guardian |date=21 December 2000 |access-date=6 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508235407/http://www.theguardian.com/business/2000/dec/21/7 |archive-date=8 May 2014}} Ferrovial sold its 50% share to Macquarie in 2006.{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/sppage023-l30697218-oisbi-idUKL3069721820061201 |title=Ferrovial Sells Bristol Airport Stake to Macquarie |publisher=Reuters |date=1 December 2006 |access-date=6 May 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121004084643/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2006/12/01/sppage023-l30697218-oisbi-idUKL3069721820061201 |archive-date=4 October 2012}} The Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan made two substantial share purchases, in 2002 and 2009.{{cite news|title=Ontario Teachers becomes sole owner of Bristol Airport|date=17 September 2014|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-airport/ontario-teachers-becomes-sole-owner-of-bristol-airport-idUKKBN0HC11020140917|work=Reuters|access-date=9 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210015648/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-airport/ontario-teachers-becomes-sole-owner-of-bristol-airport-idUKKBN0HC11020140917|archive-date=10 December 2017|url-status=dead}}

In May 2001, the low-cost carrier Go Fly made Bristol Airport its second base after Stansted.{{cite news |title=Go-fly 10 years on: What happened to the routes and people behind Europe's then third biggest LCC? |publisher=anna.aero |url=http://www.anna.aero/2012/05/02/go-fly-10-years-on-what-happened-to-the-routes-and-people-behind-europes-then-third-biggest-lcc/# |date=2 May 2012 |access-date=28 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140830073957/http://www.anna.aero/2012/05/02/go-fly-10-years-on-what-happened-to-the-routes-and-people-behind-europes-then-third-biggest-lcc/ |archive-date=30 August 2014 }} Passenger numbers passed through three million in 2002, largely due to Go's arrival. EasyJet purchased Go in 2002, took over the base in 2003 and continued its rapid growth in destinations.{{cite news |title=easyJet's dominance at Bristol under threat from Ryanair |publisher=anna.aero |url=http://www.anna.aero/2007/11/23/easyjets-dominance-at-bristol-under-threat-from-ryanair/ |date=23 November 2007 |access-date=28 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035752/http://www.anna.aero/2007/11/23/easyjets-dominance-at-bristol-under-threat-from-ryanair/ |archive-date=4 March 2016 }} In May 2005, Continental Airlines introduced a direct flight from Bristol to Newark with Boeing 757 aircraft, though this ceased in November 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Continental-Airlines-scrap-flights-New-York-Bristol/article-1975411-detail/article.html |title=Continental Airlines to scrap flights to New York from Bristol |work=Bristol Evening Post|date=6 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409061641/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Continental-Airlines-scrap-flights-New-York-Bristol/article-1975411-detail/article.html |archive-date= 9 April 2010 }}

A new asphalt runway surface was laid between November 2006 and March 2007,{{cite web | url= http://www.aaib.gov.uk/sites/aaib/publications/formal_reports/1_2009_g_xlac_g_bdwa_g_embo.cfm | publisher= Air Accidents Investigation Branch | title= Report No: 1/2009 | date= 9 January 2009 | access-date= 9 January 2009 | url-status= live | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090130094935/http://www.aaib.gov.uk/sites/aaib/publications/formal_reports/1_2009_g_xlac_g_bdwa_g_embo.cfm | archive-date= 30 January 2009 | df= dmy-all }} at a cost of £17 million.{{cite news |title=Bristol airport reopens after runway repairs |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2007/jan/08/bristol.airport.open |date=8 January 2007 |access-date=9 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831004206/http://www.theguardian.com/travel/2007/jan/08/bristol.airport.open |archive-date=31 August 2013 }} Within this period, on 29 December and 3 January, there were four incidents of reduced braking action in wet conditions on the temporary surface, including two in which aircraft left the runway.{{cite news | title=Report finds runway 'was unsafe' | work= BBC News | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7819334.stm | date= 9 January 2009 | access-date= 9 January 2009 | url-status= live | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090116120957/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/7819334.stm | archive-date= 16 January 2009 | df= dmy-all }} From 5 January, ten airlines, led by EasyJet, cancelled or diverted their Bristol flights. The airport closed the runway on 7 January to cut grooves into the surface to improve water runoff, and flights resumed the next day.

Ryanair established a base at the airport in 2007.{{cite news |title=Ryanair announces new city routes |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/6686835.stm |date=24 May 2007 |access-date=28 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070820173645/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/6686835.stm |archive-date=20 August 2007 }} In 2008, passenger numbers reached six million.

In March 2010, the airport was rebranded as Bristol Airport.{{cite news | url= http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/homepage/Rebranded-Bristol-Airport-drops-International/article-1907793-detail/article.html | work= Bristol Evening Post | date= 12 March 2010 | access-date= 12 March 2010 | title= Rebranded Bristol Airport drops the International | url-status= dead | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100315153624/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/homepage/Rebranded-Bristol-Airport-drops-International/article-1907793-detail/article.html | archive-date= 15 March 2010 | df= dmy-all }} The airport gained a new logo, said by the airport's owners to represent 'people', 'place' and 'region'; and a new slogan, "Amazing journeys start here".{{cite web | url= http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/media-centre/news-releases/2010/03/bristol-branch-launch-unveil.aspx | title= New vision unveiled ten years on from terminal opening | publisher= Bristol Airport | date= 12 March 2010|access-date= 27 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104001258/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/media-centre/news-releases/2010/03/bristol-branch-launch-unveil.aspx|archive-date=4 November 2013}}

Bristol Airport does not operate any jetways, so aircraft have to park on the apron and passengers either walk out to their flights or are carried by bus. May 2010 saw the opening of a {{convert|450|m|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/media-centre/news-releases/2010/05/walkway-opening.aspx|title=New walkway will enhance passenger experience|publisher=Bristol Airport|date=28 May 2010|access-date=27 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714204217/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/media-centre/news-releases/2010/05/walkway-opening.aspx|archive-date=14 July 2014}} walkway to the west of the terminal building,{{cite news |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Airport-s-pound-6-5m-project-ease-passenger/story-19885798-detail/story.html |title=Airport's £6.5m project to ease passenger congestion |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=4 October 2013 |access-date=10 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131011183508/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Airport-s-pound-6-5m-project-ease-passenger/story-19885798-detail/story.html |archive-date=11 October 2013 }} connecting it to eight new pre-boarding zones, at a cost of £8 million, to reduce the need for buses. In 2012, BMI Regional established a base at the airport.{{cite news |url=http://www.bath-business.net/frankfurt-flights-launched-from-bristol-airport/ |title=Frankfurt flights launched from Bristol Airport |last=Buckland |first=Robert |work=Bath Business News |date=2 April 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131104034411/http://www.bath-business.net/frankfurt-flights-launched-from-bristol-airport/ |archive-date=4 November 2013 }} In 2013, the airline added routes to German and Italian hub airports, aimed at business travellers.{{cite news|url=http://www.afm.aero/magazine/focus/item/917-one-to-one-ceo-bmi-regional |title=One to one: CEO, BMI Regional |last=Rivers |first=Martin |work=AFM Airline Fleet Management |publisher=Aviation Media |date=3 September 2013 |access-date=2 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225225907/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-53365627 |archive-date= 25 February 2021 }}

In September 2014, Toronto-based Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan agreed to buy Macquarie's remaining 50% stake in the airport, thereby gaining 100% ownership.{{cite news |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Australian-owners-sells-50-cent-stake-Bristol/story-22937721-detail/story.html |title=Australian owners sell 50 per cent stake in Bristol Airport for £250 million |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=17 September 2014 |access-date=17 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140919124002/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Australian-owners-sells-50-cent-stake-Bristol/story-22937721-detail/story.html |archive-date=19 September 2014}} In July 2020, over 76 employee redundancies,{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-53365627 |title=Bristol Airport: Almost 100 jobs set to be lost |website=BBC News |date=10 July 2020|access-date=14 July 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719061705/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-53365627 |archive-date=19 July 2021}} up to a quarter of the work force, were announced by Bristol Airport. The job losses were announced despite the government's Job Retention Scheme.{{cite news |url=https://www.https://www.wired.co.uk/article/uk-furlough-scheme-job-protection/ |title=The UK's coronavirus furlough scheme, explained by experts |magazine=Wired |date=3 March 2020|access-date=3 March 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403190426/https://www.wired.co.uk/article/uk-furlough-scheme-job-protection |archive-date=3 April 2020}}

On 11 November 2020, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays announced that they would open their tenth UK base at Bristol Airport on 1 April 2021, operating to 33 destinations; however, as a result of the ongoing coronavirus travel restrictions, the base opening and flights were delayed until 1 July 2021. In May 2023, it was announced that TUI Airways would discontinue their long-haul routes to Melbourne, Florida, and Cancún, Mexico. The two routes ceased at the end of summer 2023, this left the airport with no transatlantic routes.{{Cite web|title=TUI remove long haul flights from Bristol Airport for Summer 2024-2025|url=https://www.freshaviation.co.uk/tui-remove-long-haul-flights-from-bristol-airport-for-summer-2024-2025/|access-date=2023-05-31|website=www.freshaviation.co.uk|date=31 May 2023|language=en|archive-date=2 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802190421/https://www.freshaviation.co.uk/tui-remove-long-haul-flights-from-bristol-airport-for-summer-2024-2025/|url-status=live}}

===Initial Development Plans===

In response to the UK government's 2003 white paper The Future of Air Transport, the airport published a Master Plan for expansion over the period 2006–2030.{{cite web |title=Bristol International Airport Master Plan 2006 to 2030 |publisher=Bristol Airport |url=http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/~/media/files/brs/about-us/bristol-airport-master-plan.ashx?la=en |access-date=26 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150905131218/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/~/media/files/brs/about-us/bristol-airport-master-plan.ashx?la=en |archive-date=5 September 2015 }}

In October 2007, the airport announced that it would delay the planning application until the middle of 2008 to give it time to complete research on the airport's effect on the environment.{{cite news | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7054255.stm | title= Airport expansion plans grounded | work= BBC News | date= 20 October 2007 | access-date= 23 October 2007 | url-status= live | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121112143907/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/7054255.stm | archive-date= 12 November 2012 | df= dmy-all }} The World Development Movement claimed that flights from the airport generated the same amount of carbon dioxide as the nation of Malawi.{{cite news | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7039098.stm | title= Airport CO2 rivals African nation | work= BBC News | date= 11 October 2007 | access-date= 23 October 2007 | url-status= live | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071013083236/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/somerset/7039098.stm | archive-date= 13 October 2007 | df= dmy-all }}

A campaign against the plan was led by Stop Bristol Airport Expansion, supported by Bristol Friends of the Earth and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.{{cite news |title=Airport expansion plans take-off |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4377334.stm |date=26 October 2005 |access-date=5 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070913155854/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/4377334.stm |archive-date=13 September 2007 }}

The application was eventually submitted in 2009.{{cite news |title=Airport's plans go before council |work=BBC News |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/bristol/8102742.stm |date=16 June 2009 |access-date=5 April 2014}} The £150M plan,{{cite news |title=Bristol Airport expansion over 'final hurdle' |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-11350942 |date=17 September 2010 |access-date=5 April 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925223344/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-11350942 |archive-date=25 September 2015 }} designed to facilitate growth in annual passenger numbers to 10 million, was approved by North Somerset Council in 2010 and by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government later the same year.

In October 2011, Stop Bristol Airport Expansion lost its legal challenge to the plan.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-15469445 |title=Bristol Airport expansion approval 'was legal' |work=BBC News |date=26 October 2011 |access-date=4 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817134914/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-15469445 |archive-date=17 August 2014 }}

The expansion was to occur in stages, spread over 30 construction projects.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-20971470 |title=Bristol Airport expansion: Pool of contractors appointed |work=BBC News |date=10 January 2013 |access-date=4 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140817125526/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-20971470 |archive-date=17 August 2014 }} Plans included a doubling of passenger terminal floorspace, new piers and aircraft parking stands, extensions to the apron, multi-storey car parking and a public transport interchange.{{cite web |title=Our future |publisher=Bristol Airport |url=http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/about-us/who-we-are/our-future |access-date=26 October 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151021043600/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/about-us/who-we-are/our-future |archive-date=21 October 2015 }}

====Construction====

The first project was completed in June 2012, with the opening of three new aircraft stands.{{cite news |url=http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/business/first_phase_of_airport_expansion_opens_1_1422116 |title=First phase of airport expansion opens |last=Wright |first=Tom |newspaper=The Weston & Somerset Mercury |date=27 June 2012 |access-date=4 May 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407090255/http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/business/first_phase_of_airport_expansion_opens_1_1422116 |archive-date=7 April 2014 }}

In July 2014, a {{convert|3880|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}, £6.5M walkway connected to the centre of the terminal was opened, providing four more pre-boarding zones including ones for wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.{{cite news |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Airport-announces-best-figures-June/story-21665705-detail/story.html |title=Bristol Airport announces best ever figures for June |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=21 July 2014 |access-date=22 July 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140726212842/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Bristol-Airport-announces-best-figures-June/story-21665705-detail/story.html |archive-date=26 July 2014 }}

In July 2015, the airport opened an £8.6M eastward extension of the terminal, with a larger departure lounge and an outdoor terrace. Construction of another terminal extension started immediately, to the west and costing £24M.{{cite news |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/New-Bristol-Airport-terminal-opens-business/story-26827336-detail/story.html |title=New Bristol Airport terminal opens for business |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=3 July 2015 |access-date=8 July 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707235424/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/New-Bristol-Airport-terminal-opens-business/story-26827336-detail/story.html |archive-date=7 July 2015 }} The first phases of the {{convert|9000|m2|sqft|adj=on}} western extension, which opened in summer 2016, provided a new security search area for departures, with 12 security lanes including a fast track zone. New arrivals facilities within the extension, including baggage reclaim and customs, were scheduled to open later in 2016.{{cite news |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/could-the-problems-of-queues-at-bristol-airport-about-to-be-solved/story-29457776-detail/story.html |title=Could the problems of long queues at Bristol Airport finally be solved? |last=Ribbeck |first=M. |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=29 June 2016 |access-date=1 November 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160905104225/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/could-the-problems-of-queues-at-bristol-airport-about-to-be-solved/story-29457776-detail/story.html |archive-date=5 September 2016 }} In October 2016, the airport announced that a further project, an enlargement of the immigration hall, will complete in 2017. These were completed and opened to the public in April 2017, enabling an increase in the number of passport control points from 10 to 17, of which 10 are ePassport gates.{{cite web|title=Passport Control|url=https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/passenger-information/passport-control|publisher=Bristol Airport|access-date=9 December 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927061406/http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/at-the-airport/passenger-information/passport-control|archive-date=27 September 2016}}

Work on a £9.5M multi-storey car park began in November 2017, following a £2.5M upgrade to the customer reception centre in the silver zone car park.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/about-us/news-and-media/news-and-media-centre/2017/11/work-begins-on-multi-storey-car-park|title=Work Begins on Bristol Airport's First Multi-Storey Car Park|date=13 November 2017|website=Bristol Airport|language=en|access-date=30 May 2018|archive-date=23 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923170550/https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/about-us/news-and-media/news-and-media-centre/2017/11/work-begins-on-multi-storey-car-park|url-status=live}} The new car park opened in May 2018.

A planning application for an on-site 251-room hotel was approved separately in 2010.{{cite news | url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-11539614 | work= BBC News | date= 14 October 2010 | title= Bristol Airport hotel plan approved by councillors | access-date= 1 November 2010 | url-status= live | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101017063151/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-11539614 | archive-date= 17 October 2010 | df= dmy-all }} In February 2014, a planning application was submitted for a revision to the previously approved design, with a 201-room hotel to be built initially, followed later by a 50-room addition. The airport stated that among the UK's busiest 16 airports, only Bristol lacked an on-site hotel.{{cite news |url=http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/plans_for_new_hotel_made_public_1_3370536 |title=Plans for new hotel made public |last=Wright |first=Tom |newspaper=The Weston & Somerset Mercury |date=28 February 2014 |access-date=22 March 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407090428/http://www.thewestonmercury.co.uk/news/plans_for_new_hotel_made_public_1_3370536 |archive-date=7 April 2014 }} In February 2015, the airport announced that the 201-room hotel would be completed in 2016, and will be operated as a Hampton by Hilton. It opened for bookings in January 2017. It was funded, built and is owned, by a Chinese company,{{cite news |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/hotel-built-Bristol-Airport-Hampton-Hilton/story-25960824-detail/story.html |title=First hotel to be built at Bristol Airport will be Hampton by Hilton |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=2 February 2015 |access-date=5 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150205212750/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/hotel-built-Bristol-Airport-Hampton-Hilton/story-25960824-detail/story.html |archive-date=5 February 2015 }} CIMC Modular Building Systems,{{cite news |url=http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2014/11/26/chinese-firm-to-build-15m-bristol-sea-container-hotel/ |title=Chinese firm to build £15m Bristol sea container hotel |last=Morby |first=Aaron |newspaper=Construction Enquirer |date=26 November 2014 |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141219005833/http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2014/11/26/chinese-firm-to-build-15m-bristol-sea-container-hotel/ |archive-date=19 December 2014 }} who shipped prefabricated modules for its construction from China.

In 2018 the airport applied to extend the airport to allow a growth in passenger numbers to 12 million. The plan involved enlarging the passenger terminus and plane taxiways. It also planned to add parking for 3,000 more cars, much of it on greenbelt land. There was much resistance to the plan with 84% of North Somerset residents who commented rejecting the expansion plan. Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN), a network of organisations including Extinction Rebellion, North Somerset Parishes, Stop Airport Expansion, Friends of the Earth, and Greenpeace organised a huge resistance. This culminated in North Somerset council voting 18 to 7 to reject the plan on 10 February 2020. It said the detrimental effect on the area and the wider impact on the environment outweighed the narrower benefits to airport expansion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/feb/11/plan-to-expand-bristol-airport-rejected-after-climate-protests|title=Plan to expand Bristol airport rejected after climate protests|date=11 February 2020|website=The Guardian|access-date=5 March 2020|archive-date=11 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211084135/https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/feb/11/plan-to-expand-bristol-airport-rejected-after-climate-protests|url-status=live}}

The airport appealed, and a four-week public inquiry started in July 2021.{{cite news |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/how-legal-fight-bristol-airports-4826131 |title=How the legal fight on Bristol Airport's expansion will play out |last=Sumner |first=Stephen |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=4 January 2021 |access-date=5 January 2021 |archive-date=4 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104100113/https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/how-legal-fight-bristol-airports-4826131 |url-status=live }} The Planning Inspectorate granted the appeal in February 2022.{{Cite web |last=Raval |first=Priyanka |date=4 February 2022 |title='Climate change was taken out of the equation': Campaigners react to losing the battle over Bristol Airport expansion |url=https://thebristolcable.org/2022/02/climate-change-was-taken-out-of-the-equation-campaigners-react-to-losing-the-battle-over-bristol-airport-expansion/ |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=The Bristol Cable |language=en-GB |archive-date=9 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209072130/https://thebristolcable.org/2022/02/climate-change-was-taken-out-of-the-equation-campaigners-react-to-losing-the-battle-over-bristol-airport-expansion/ |url-status=live }} Bristol Airport Action Network applied for a statutory appeal, which was held in the High Court in Bristol in November 2022.{{Cite web |last=Raval |first=Priyanka |date=11 November 2022 |title=Bristol Airport expansion fate pending after campaigners' appeal |url=https://thebristolcable.org/2022/11/bristol-airport-expansion-appeal-decision-pending-campaigners-making-an-impact/ |access-date=16 November 2024 |website=The Bristol Cable |language=en-GB |archive-date=29 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529202427/https://thebristolcable.org/2022/11/bristol-airport-expansion-appeal-decision-pending-campaigners-making-an-impact/ |url-status=live }}

In January 2023 the appeal in the High Court was dismissed. Sarah Warren, a cabinet member of Bath and North East Somerset Council, said it was a "deeply disappointing result".{{Cite web|title=Bristol Airport expansion gets go-ahead as High Court appeal dismissed|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/bristol-airport-expansion-gets-go-26121084|access-date=2 August 2023|website=www.business-live.co.uk|date=31 January 2023|language=en|archive-date=2 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802200614/https://www.business-live.co.uk/economic-development/bristol-airport-expansion-gets-go-26121084|url-status=live}} In May 2023, the Court of Appeal dismissed an application to hear an appeal against the airport's expansion plan from the Bristol Airport Action Network. This was the final possible legal challenge.{{Cite web|title=Appeal against Bristol Airport expansion dismissed by courts|url=https://www.business-live.co.uk/ports-logistics/appeal-against-bristol-airport-expansion-26941738|access-date=2 August 2023|website=www.business-live.co.uk|date=18 May 2023|language=en|archive-date=2 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802200626/https://www.business-live.co.uk/ports-logistics/appeal-against-bristol-airport-expansion-26941738|url-status=live}}

In September 2023 Bristol Airport announced the commencement of its expansion plans, starting with the construction of a £60 million transport hub and car park. This project includes the creation of one of the region's largest bus interchanges on the top level of the new car park, with an expansion that will more than double the number of coach bays, increasing them from 6 to 16. Additionally, the new multi-storey car park will provide over 2,000 parking spaces. The project is expected to take 18 months and aims to significantly enhance transportation options and services for passengers arriving at or departing from the airport.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-bristol-66914873|title=Bristol Airport invests £60m in transport hub and car park|publisher=BBC News | date=26 September 2023 | access-date=10 October 2023 | language=en-UK}}{{Cite news | url=https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2023-09-27/bristol-airport-invests-60m-in-new-car-park-and-transport-hub | title=Bristol Airport to get new car park and transport hub as part of £60 million transformation | publisher=ITV News | date=26 September 2023 | access-date=10 October 2023 | language=en-UK | archive-date=11 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011200624/https://www.itv.com/news/westcountry/2023-09-27/bristol-airport-invests-60m-in-new-car-park-and-transport-hub | url-status=live }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/corporate/news-and-media/news-and-media-centre/2023/9/public-transport-hub-project/|title=Bristol Airport announces transformational public transport hub project|publisher=Bristol Airport|date=26 September 2023|access-date=10 October 2023|language=en-UK|archive-date=11 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231011200622/https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/corporate/news-and-media/news-and-media-centre/2023/9/public-transport-hub-project/|url-status=live}}

In November 2024, the airport opened a consultation on further expansion plans, including launching direct long-haul flights to destinations such as the Middle East and the East Coast of America and a further capacity increase to 15 million passengers per annum.{{cite web |title=Bristol Airport Future Plans |url=https://bristolairport-futureplans.co.uk/index.php?contentid=24 |publisher=Bristol Airport |access-date=31 December 2024 |archive-date=11 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211124531/https://bristolairport-futureplans.co.uk/index.php?contentid=24 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Robinson |first1=Harriet |last2=Simson |first2=Pete |title=Bristol Airport opens consultation on expansion plans |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dlwxd9z02o |publisher=BBC News |access-date=31 December 2024 |date=25 November 2024 |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203214304/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dlwxd9z02o |url-status=live }} The proposal involves extending the Bristol Airport terminal from approximately {{convert|50,000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}} to approximately {{convert|130,000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}, significantly exceeding the existing permission to expand to {{convert|70,000|m2|sqft|abbr=on}}. This expansion aims to enhance the customer experience with improved waiting areas, retail space, and facilities. The plans also include a {{convert|150|m|ft|abbr=on}} runway extension within existing boundaries to support limited long-haul routes, alongside new taxiways to reduce congestion. To address traffic impacts, plans involve upgrading the A38 and nearby junctions, introducing bus priority lanes, and collaborating on future mass transit connections.

The Bristol Airport Action Network criticised the latest proposal, calling it disappointing and stating that it fails to "consider the needs of local people" or address "its climate impact." They also described the airport's projected economic and job benefits as "misleading," citing their research, which indicates that the airport often "massively overstates the number of new jobs and economic gains it will generate."

Steve Smith, the Conservative candidate for the Mayor of the West of England, expressed his support for the expansion proposal.{{cite web |title=Bristol Airport needs to expand - and this is why |url=https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/news-opinion/bristol-airport-needs-expand-why-9805892 |publisher=Somerset Live |access-date=31 December 2024 |language=en |date=29 December 2024}} He argued that the expansion would "create local jobs, open new routes to the rest of the world, and attract greater inward investment to our region." Smith also emphasized the convenience and environmental benefits for local travellers, stating, "Too many local people have to endure long drives to Heathrow or Birmingham just to access the flights they need. This is inconvenient, inefficient, and not good for the environment. Expanding Bristol Airport will provide passengers with convenience, choice, and high-quality services, right here in the West of England."

Bristol Airport has one runway designated 09/27. As the prevailing wind is from the southwest, runway 27 (the westerly direction) is used about 70% of the time. The airport has one of the shortest international airport runways in the country at just {{convert|2011|m|abbr=on|ft}} in length, with runway 27 having a threshold displacement of {{convert|140|m}}. Despite the short runway length, the airfield is able to accommodate aircraft as large as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330.

The following airlines operate scheduled flights to and from Bristol:{{cite web |url=https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/where-can-i-fly |title=Where can I fly? |publisher=Bristol Airport |date=26 September 2020 |access-date=21 February 2019 |archive-date=11 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150511010103/https://www.bristolairport.co.uk/where-can-i-fly |url-status=live }}

{{Airport-dest-list

| Aer Lingus | Cork,{{cite web | url=https://www.emeraldairlines.com/article/aer-lingus-regional-announces-expansion-into-cork-with-highly-anticipated-cork-bristol-service | title=Emerald Airlines - Aer Lingus Regional Announces Expansion into Cork with Highly-Anticipated Cork-Bristol Service }} Dublin{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241031-einw24eu|title=Aer Lingus NW24 Europe Frequency Changes – 27OCT24|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=31 October 2024|access-date=14 March 2025|language=en}}

| Aurigny | Guernsey{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Guernsey|date=November 2023|volume=25|issue=5|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=412}}

| Blue Islands |Jersey{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Jersey|date=November 2023|volume=25|issue=5|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=480}}

| easyJet | Agadir,{{cite web|first=Jim|last=Liu|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240618-u2nw24|title=EASYJET NW24 NETWORK ADDITIONS|website=Aeroroutes|date=18 June 2024|access-date=22 June 2024|archive-date=18 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240618082436/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240618-u2nw24|url-status=live}} Alicante,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220704-u2jul22ites|title=easyJet July 2022 Italy / Spain Operation Update - 03JUL22|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=4 July 2022|accessdate=7 April 2025|language=en}} Amsterdam,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230710-u2nw23321|title=easyJet NW23 A321neo Network Expansion – 09JUL23|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=10 July 2023|access-date=1 April 2025|language=en}} Barcelona, Basel/Mulhouse, Belfast–City, Belfast–International,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220704-u2jul22uk|title=easyJet July 2022 UK Operation Update - 03JUL22|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=4 July 2022|accessdate=7 April 2025|language=en}} Berlin, Bordeaux, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Enfidha, Faro, Fuerteventura, Funchal, Geneva, Gibraltar, Glasgow, Gran Canaria, Hurghada, Inverness, Isle of Man, Istanbul,{{Cite web|url=https://www.airturkhaber.com/haberler/easyjetten-yeni-istanbul-rotasi/|title=Easyjet'ten yeni İstanbul rotası|first=Ege Buğra|last=Özen|date=11 June 2024|access-date=11 June 2024|archive-date=11 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611103059/https://www.airturkhaber.com/haberler/easyjetten-yeni-istanbul-rotasi/|url-status=live}} Kraków, Lanzarote, Larnaca, Lisbon,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230102-u2lis|title=easyJet NS23 Lisbon Network Expansion – 01JAN23|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=2 January 2023|access-date=1 April 2025|language=en}} Madrid, Málaga, Marrakesh,{{cite web | url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/easyjet-to-launch-bristol-marrakech-service-1203964 | title=News for Airlines, Airports and the Aviation Industry | CAPA | access-date=25 May 2023 | archive-date=25 May 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230525074825/https://centreforaviation.com/news/easyjet-to-launch-bristol-marrakech-service-1203964 | url-status=live }} Milan–Malpensa, Newcastle upon Tyne, Nice, Palma de Mallorca, Paphos, Paris–Charles de Gaulle, Pisa, Porto, Prague,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220411-u2jul22|title=easyJet July 2022 Frequency Changes as of 08APR22|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=11 April 2022|accessdate=8 April 2025|language=en}} Rome–Fiumicino, Sharm El Sheikh, Tenerife–South, Toulouse, Venice
Seasonal: Almería (begins 24 June 2025),{{cite web |title=easyJet NS25 Network Additions – 22DEC24 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241224-u2ns25 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=24 December 2024 |archive-date=24 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224143134/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241224-u2ns25 |url-status=live }} Antalya, Athens, Bilbao, Bodrum, Catania, Chania,{{Cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230131-u2ns23|title=EASYJET NS23 NETWORK ADDITIONS SUMMARY – 30JAN23|website=Aeroroutes|date=31 January 2023|access-date=1 February 2023|archive-date=3 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230603184830/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230131-u2ns23|url-status=live}} Corfu, Dalaman, Dubrovnik, Grenoble,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Lyon, France|date=February 2023|volume=24|issue=8|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=511-514}} Heraklion, Ibiza, Innsbruck,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Innsbruck, Austria|date=February 2023|volume=24|issue=8|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=389}} Kos, La Rochelle, Lyon,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Lyon, France|date=February 2023|volume=24|issue=8|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=511-514}} Malta,{{Cite news | url = https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/easyjet-launches-range-of-new-routes-for-summer-2024 | title = EasyJet launches range of new routes for summer 2024 | website = travelweekly.co.uk | first = Andrew | last = McQuarrie | date = 7 November 2023}} Marseille, Menorca, Murcia, Naples, Olbia, Palermo (begins 26 June 2025),{{cite web|url=https://italiavola.com/2024/12/11/easyjet-presenta-le-basi-di-milano-linate-e-roma-fiumicino/|title=easyJet presenta le basi di Milano Linate e Roma Fiumicino|date=11 December 2024|website=Italiavola.com|language=IT|trans-title=Easyjet introduces new bases|access-date=24 December 2024|archive-date=14 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214054012/https://italiavola.com/2024/12/11/easyjet-presenta-le-basi-di-milano-linate-e-roma-fiumicino/|url-status=live}} Preveza/Lefkada, Pula, Reykjavík–Keflavík,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Rhodes, Rovaniemi,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220912-u2nw22|title=easyJet NW22 Network Additions Summary – 11SEP22|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=12 September 2022|access-date=1 April 2025|language=en}} Salzburg,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Salzburg, Austria|date=February 2023|volume=24|issue=8|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=772-773}} Santorini, Skiathos,{{cite web | url=https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/easyjet-to-start-serving-skiathos-next-summer | title=EasyJet to start serving Skiathos next summer }} Split, Tivat,{{Cite web|url=https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/23953925.easyjet-add-18th-aircraft-bristol-airport-summer-2024/|title=easyJet to introduce 18th aircraft to North Somerset fleet next summer|date=29 November 2023|website=North Somerset Times|access-date=29 November 2023|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201072740/https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/23953925.easyjet-add-18th-aircraft-bristol-airport-summer-2024/|url-status=live}} Tromsø,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241114-u2nw24|title=easyJet NW24 Network Additions – 10NOV24|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=14 November 2024|access-date=1 April 2025|language=en}}{{cite web|url=https://kommunikasjon.ntb.no/pressemelding/18136051/easyjet-establishes-itself-in-norway?publisherId=17507039&lang=en|title=EasyJet establishes itself in Norway|date=11 June 2024|website=The Avinor Group|access-date=11 June 2024|archive-date=11 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611172709/https://kommunikasjon.ntb.no/pressemelding/18136051/easyjet-establishes-itself-in-norway?publisherId=17507039&lang=en|url-status=live}} Turin,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Turin, Italy|date=February 2023|volume=24|issue=8|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=905-906}} Zakynthos

| Edelweiss Air | Seasonal: Zurich (begins 9 June 2025){{cite web |last1=Orban |first1=André |title=Edelweiss expands Summer 2025 network with five new holiday destinations |url=https://www.aviation24.be/airlines/lufthansa-group/swiss/edelweiss/edelweiss-expands-summer-2025-network-with-five-new-holiday-destinations/ |website=Aviation 24 |access-date=13 February 2025 |date=30 October 2024}}

| Jet2.com{{cite web|url=https://www.jet2.com/timetable|title=Flight Timetable|website=jet2.com|access-date=11 November 2020|archive-date=14 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714130402/https://www.jet2.com/timetable|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://ukaviation.news/jet2s-bristol-airport-base-will-bring-450000-holiday-seats/|title=Jet2's Bristol Airport base will bring 450,000-holiday seats|website=ukaviation.news|date=11 November 2020|access-date=13 November 2020|archive-date=11 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111101520/https://ukaviation.news/jet2s-bristol-airport-base-will-bring-450000-holiday-seats/|url-status=live}} | Agadir,{{cite web | url=https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/jet2-introduces-morocco-flights-and-holidays | title=Jet2 introduces Morocco flights and holidays | access-date=18 October 2023 | archive-date=18 October 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231018105546/https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/jet2-introduces-morocco-flights-and-holidays | url-status=live }} Alicante,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide |title=Bristol|date=November 2023|volume=25|issue=5|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=158–159}} Antalya,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240424-lsnw24|title=Jet2 NW24 Network Adjustments – 21APR24|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=24 April 2024|access-date=26 March 2025|language=en}} Faro, Fuerteventura,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231010-lsns24|title=Jet2.com NS24 Network Adjustment – 08OCT23|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=10 October 2023|access-date=26 March 2025|language=en}} Funchal, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malta, Paphos, Tenerife–South
Seasonal: Almería,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240415-ukns24|title=UK NS24 Network Additions – 14APR24|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=15 April 2024|access-date=26 March 2025|language=en}} Berlin (begins 27 November 2025){{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}, Bodrum, Burgas,{{Cite web | url = https://www.jet2.com/en/next-summer#flights | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20221016050020/https://www.jet2.com/en/next-summer | archive-date = 16 October 2022 | title = Flights for Summer 2024 | website = jet2.com}} Chambéry,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Chambery/Aix-les-Bains, France|date=February 2023|volume=24|issue=8|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=166}} Chania,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/221225-ns23gb|title=UK NS23 New Routes Addition Summary – 25DEC22|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=25 December 2022|access-date=26 March 2025|language=en}} Corfu,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Dalaman, Geneva,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/231030-uknw23|title=UK NW23 Network Additions/Removals Summary – 29OCT23|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=30 October 2023|access-date=26 March 2025|language=en}} Girona, Heraklion, Ibiza, Innsbruck,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Innsbruck, Austria|date=February 2023|volume=24|issue=8|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=389}} Izmir, Kalamata (begins 7 May 2025),{{Cite web|url=http://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/jet2-puts-16m-seats-on-sale-for-summer-2025|title=Jet2 puts 16m seats on sale for summer 2025|website=Travel Weekly|access-date=11 October 2023|archive-date=12 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231012162508/http://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/jet2-puts-16m-seats-on-sale-for-summer-2025|url-status=live}} Kefalonia, Kos, Larnaca, Málaga, Menorca, Palma de Mallorca, Prague,{{Cite news | url = https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/23798914.jet2-com-jet2citybreaks-launch-christmas-markets-programme/ | website = North Somerset Times | first = Amber | last = Hill | date = 19 September 2023 | title = Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks launch Christmas Markets programme | archive-date = 28 November 2023 | access-date = 27 November 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231128154206/https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/23798914.jet2-com-jet2citybreaks-launch-christmas-markets-programme/ | url-status = live }} Preveza/Lefkada, Reus, Reykjavík–Keflavík, Rhodes, Skiathos, Thessaloniki, Verona, Vienna,{{Cite news | url = https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/23798914.jet2-com-jet2citybreaks-launch-christmas-markets-programme/ | title = Jet2.com and Jet2CityBreaks launch Christmas Markets programme | website = North Somerset Times | date = 19 September 2023 | first = Amber | last = Hill | archive-date = 28 November 2023 | access-date = 27 November 2023 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231128154206/https://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/23798914.jet2-com-jet2citybreaks-launch-christmas-markets-programme/ | url-status = live }} Zakynthos

| KLM | Amsterdam{{Cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240122-klns24eu|title=KLM NS24 European Service Changes – 21JAN24|website=Aeroroutes|access-date=26 October 2024|archive-date=4 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204045513/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240122-klns24eu|url-status=live}}

| Loganair | Aberdeen{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Aberdeen|date=November 2023|volume=25|issue=5|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=10–12}}

| Pegasus Airlines | Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen (begins 8 July 2025){{cite web |title=Pegasus, 3 Yeni Destinasyon Duyurdu |trans-title=Pegasus Announces 3 New Destinations |url=https://havasosyalmedya.com/pegasus-3-yeni-destinasyon-duyurdu/ |website=havasosyalmedya.com |access-date=28 March 2025 |language=tr |date=26 March 2025}}

| Ryanair{{Cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230330-frns23|title=Ryanair NS23 Network Additions Summary – 26MAR23|website=Aeroroutes}} | Alicante,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Bristol, UK|date=August 2023|volume=25|issue=2|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=163–165}} Barcelona, Bergamo,{{Cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230516-frns23it|title=Ryanair May – Oct 2023 Italy Frequency Variations – 14MAY23|website=Aeroroutes|access-date=4 September 2024|archive-date=5 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241005193930/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230516-frns23it|url-status=live}} Bucharest–Otopeni, Budapest,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/220902-frnw22bud|title=Ryanair NW22 Budapest Service Changes|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=2 September 2022|access-date=31 March 2025|language=en}} Bydgoszcz,{{Cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/221212-frnw22|title=Ryanair NW22 Network Additions Summary – 09DEC22|website=Aeroroutes|access-date=4 September 2024|archive-date=12 December 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221212071226/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/221212-frnw22|url-status=live}} Copenhagen,{{Cite web|url=https://www.britaintraveldeals.com/ryanair-will-launch-a-new-route-from-birmingham-bristol-cardiff-exeter-leeds-and-london/|title=Ryanair will launch a new routes from Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Exeter, Leeds and London|website=Britain Travel Deals - cheap flights, hotels, holiday packages|access-date=7 December 2023|archive-date=7 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207180559/https://www.britaintraveldeals.com/ryanair-will-launch-a-new-route-from-birmingham-bristol-cardiff-exeter-leeds-and-london/|url-status=live}} Dublin, Faro, Gran Canaria, Kaunas, Kraków, Lanzarote, Madrid, Málaga, Porto,{{Cite web|url=http://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/ryanair-announces-biggest-ever-bristol-schedule-for-summer-2023|title=Ryanair announces biggest-ever Bristol schedule for summer 2023|website=Travel Weekly|access-date=26 April 2023|archive-date=26 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230426091359/http://travelweekly.co.uk/news/air/ryanair-announces-biggest-ever-bristol-schedule-for-summer-2023|url-status=live}} Poznań, Riga, Rzeszów, Sofia, Tenerife–South, Tirana,{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/240716-frns24 | title=Ryanair NS24 Network Additions Summary – 14JUL24 }} Toulouse (begins 3 May 2025),{{cite web |title=Ryanair NS25 Network Additions – 01DEC24 |url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241205-frns25 |website=Aeroroutes |access-date=5 December 2024 |archive-date=5 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205133718/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241205-frns25 |url-status=live }} Venice,{{Cite web|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230330-frns23|title=Ryanair NS23 Network Additions Summary – 26MAR23|website=Aeroroutes.com|date=30 March 2023|access-date=30 March 2025|language=en}} Wrocław
Seasonal: Bergerac, Béziers, Fuerteventura, Gdańsk,{{cite web | url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230918-frnw23 | title=Ryanair NW23 Network Changes – 17SEP23 | access-date=18 September 2023 | archive-date=18 September 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230918193549/https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230918-frnw23 | url-status=live }} Girona, Grenoble,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Lyon, France|date=February 2023|volume=24|issue=8|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=511-514}} Ibiza, Knock, Limoges, Marseille, Palma de Mallorca, Prague, Turin,{{Cite journal|author=|journal=OAG Flight Guide Worldwide|title=Turin, Italy|date=February 2023|volume=24|issue=8|publisher=OAG Aviation Worldwide Limited|publication-place=Luton, United Kingdom|issn=1466-8718|language=en|pages=905-906}} Valencia

| SunExpress | Antalya{{cite web | url=https://centreforaviation.com/news/sunexpress-to-launch-bristol-and-newcastle-services-from-2023-1139244 | title=News for Airlines, Airports and the Aviation Industry | CAPA | access-date=9 September 2022 | archive-date=27 December 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227211833/https://centreforaviation.com/news/sunexpress-to-launch-bristol-and-newcastle-services-from-2023-1139244 | url-status=live }}

| {{nowrap|Swiss International Air Lines}} | Seasonal: Zurich (ends 9 June 2025)

| TUI Airways | Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Hurghada, Lanzarote, Sal, Sharm El Sheikh, Tenerife–South
Seasonal: Antalya,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Burgas,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Chambéry,{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} Corfu,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Dalaman,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Dubrovnik,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Heraklion,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Ibiza,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Innsbruck,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Kefalonia,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Kittilä,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Kos,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Larnaca,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Málaga,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Marrakesh,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Menorca,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Naples,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Palma de Mallorca,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Paphos,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Reus,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Rhodes,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Rovaniemi,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Salzburg,{{citation needed|date=November 2024}} Skiathos,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Thessaloniki,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Toulouse,{{Cite web|url=https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220623-tomnw22tls|title=TUI Airways adds seasonal Bristol-Toulouse route in NW22|publisher=AeroRoutes|date=23 June 2022|access-date=23 June 2022|archive-date=23 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623143148/https://aeroroutes.com/eng/220623-tomnw22tls|url-status=live}} Turin,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Verona,{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} Zakynthos{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}

}}

File:Bristol Redcliff Way - First 36827 (YP67XDC).JPG

Bristol Airport is located on the A38, {{convert|8|mi|0}} southwest of Bristol city centre. The airport is signposted from the M5 motorway, from junction 22 when approaching from the south and junction 18 when approaching from the north. Neither gives quick access to the airport, a fact which was recognised by the Greater Bristol Strategic Transport Study. In November 2013, Bristol and North Somerset councils approved a planning application for the South Bristol Link Road,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-25128816 |work=BBC News |title=South Bristol link road: Bristol City Council gives approval |date=27 November 2013 |access-date=27 November 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131129013710/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-25128816 |archive-date=29 November 2013 }} which provides a link from the A38 northwards to the A370 at Long Ashton, giving the airport an improved connection to the M5, and a link from the A38 southwards to Hengrove Park, connecting to the Bristol Ring Road.{{cite news |url=http://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/45m_link_road_scheme_planning_documents_reveal_details_1_2294163 |title=£45m link road scheme - planning documents reveal details |newspaper=North Somerset Times |date=29 July 2013 |access-date=1 September 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004222205/http://www.northsomersettimes.co.uk/news/45m_link_road_scheme_planning_documents_reveal_details_1_2294163 |archive-date=4 October 2013 }}

The South Bristol Link, part of the MetroBus rapid transit route,{{cite web|title=South Bristol Link|work=Travelwest |url=http://travelwest.info/metrobus/metrobus-build/south-bristol-link|access-date=22 April 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620175453/http://travelwest.info/metrobus/metrobus-build/south-bristol-link|archive-date=20 June 2016}} was opened in January 2017 and is expected to provide a reduction in journey times to the airport for both bus passengers and car drivers.{{cite news|title=Special report: What the South Bristol Link road will do for business|url=http://www.southwestbusiness.co.uk/regions/bristol/special-report--what-the-south-bristol-link-road-will-do-for-business-30032016140104/|publisher=South West Business|date=31 March 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509121536/http://www.southwestbusiness.co.uk/regions/bristol/special-report--what-the-south-bristol-link-road-will-do-for-business-30032016140104/|archive-date=9 May 2016}} The Airport Flyer bus service links the airport to Bristol Temple Meads railway station and Bristol bus station.{{cite news |url=http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/buses-quicker-journey-Bristol-airport-route/story-19690492-detail/story.html#axzz2dDBe2wmm |title=More buses and quicker journey on Bristol airport route |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=22 August 2013 |access-date=31 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130827101921/http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/buses-quicker-journey-Bristol-airport-route/story-19690492-detail/story.html#axzz2dDBe2wmm |archive-date=27 August 2013 }} The service, numbered A1, is operated by First West of England on behalf of Bristol Airport.{{cite web|url=https://flyer.bristolairport.co.uk/|title=Bristol Flyer|publisher=Bristol Airport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001122842/https://flyer.bristolairport.co.uk/|archive-date=1 October 2017|url-status=live|access-date=2 October 2017}} The same company operated the A2 service from/to Weston-super-Mare, and the A3 on a more direct route to/from Weston-super-Mare railway station. The A4 'Air Decker' service operated by Bath Bus Company links the airport with southern suburbs of Bristol, Keynsham and Bath.{{Cite web|url=https://www.airdecker.com/|title=Air Decker|website=Bath Bus Company|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316175645/https://www.airdecker.com/|archive-date=16 March 2018|url-status=live|access-date=11 April 2018}} Service A2 now only operates as far as Bedminster. The 'South West Falcon' service operated by Stagecoach South West runs between Bristol and Plymouth, via the airport and Bridgwater, Taunton and Exeter.{{Cite web|url=https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-west/fly-the-south-west-falcon|title=SW Falcon: From Plymouth to Bristol & back again 24/7|website=Stagecoach|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203081526/https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/south-west/fly-the-south-west-falcon|archive-date=3 February 2016|url-status=live|access-date=11 April 2018}} Service 216 links the airport to Newport and Cardiff. The WESTlink on-demand bus also serves the airport.

The airport is a stop on the National Express coach network.{{Cite web |last=Cork |first=Tristan |date=2024-11-13 |title=National Express expands Bristol Airport coach service |url=https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/national-express-expands-bristol-airport-9708153 |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Bristol Live |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113165030/https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/national-express-expands-bristol-airport-9708153 |url-status=live }}

In September 2023 as part as the airport's expansion plans, construction started on a £60 million multi-storey car park which will include one of the region's largest bus interchanges on its roof, increasing the number of bus and coach bays from 6 to 16. A new bridge will connect the bus interchange to the airport.{{Cite web |last=Driscoll |first=Alex |date=2024-11-10 |title=Bristol Airport road network overhaul as expansion scheme continues |url=https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/regional-news/huge-changes-bristol-airport-road-9697138 |access-date=2024-11-13 |website=Gloucestershire Live |language=en |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111015432/https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/news/regional-news/huge-changes-bristol-airport-road-9697138 |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Bristol Airport Rail Link}}

In July 2016, the airport's chief executive officer Robert Sinclair discussed the possibility of a rail link to the airport.{{cite web |url=http://m.propertyweek.com/5084242.article?mobilesite=enabled |title=The sky's the limit: Bristol Airport adapts to meet demand |work=Property Week |access-date=6 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005090653/http://m.propertyweek.com/5084242.article?mobilesite=enabled |archive-date=5 October 2016 |last1=Hunt |first1=Mia }} The West of England LEP subsequently announced their application to the Department for Transport's Large Local Major Transport Schemes fund for the "South West Bristol Economic Link" – a strategy designed to address "poor connectivity between North Somerset, Bristol Airport and Bristol", which includes new road links as well as light or heavy rail opportunities.{{Cite web|url=http://www.westofenglandlep.co.uk/place/transport-investment|title=Transport investment|website=westofenglandlep.co.uk|access-date=6 October 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009121513/http://www.westofenglandlep.co.uk/place/transport-investment|archive-date=9 October 2016}}

By 2019, this proposal had been expanded as a mass transit line with potential for underground sections.

File:Cessna 525a citationjet cj2 g-ocjz arp.jpg taking off at Bristol Airport.]]

Bristol Airport is a general aviation (GA) centre. In 2006, the GA terminal was relocated from the north side next to the control tower to a purpose-built facility on the south east corner of the field. Handling for visiting executive GA aircraft is managed by Bristol Flying Centre, which also provides engineering services and operates a fleet of business jets trading as Centreline Air Charter. Handling for light GA aircraft is managed by the Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club.

In 2012, Bristol Flying Centre doubled the size of its terminal,{{cite news |url=http://evaint.com/industry-news/bristol-flying-centre-new-fbo-open-for-business |title=Bristol Flying Centre new FBO open for business |work=Eva International news |date=14 March 2013 |access-date=4 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305044040/http://evaint.com/industry-news/bristol-flying-centre-new-fbo-open-for-business |archive-date=5 March 2016 }} to {{convert|6500|sqft|m2|abbr=on}}, with self-contained security facilities and two new passenger lounges.{{cite news |url=http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-01-01/bristol-flying-center-set-expansion |title=Bristol Flying Center Set for Expansion |last=Epstein |first=Curt |work=Aviation International News |date=1 January 2013 |access-date=4 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528022227/http://ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-01-01/bristol-flying-center-set-expansion |archive-date=28 May 2013 }} Following the closure of Bristol Filton Airport at the end of 2012, Bristol Flying Centre gained fixed-base operator traffic such as the corporate shuttle for Airbus, flying to Toulouse, and the shuttle for BAE Systems. In July 2013, the Department for Transport gave approval for Bristol Flying Centre to handle charter flights directly, without needing to clear through the main airport terminal.{{cite news |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bristol-airport-sets-sights-on-becoming-major-uk-business-aviation-hub-388684/ |title=Bristol airport sets sights on becoming major UK business aviation hub |last=Sarsfield |first=Kate |work=flightglobal.com |date=25 July 2013 |access-date=4 August 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728134747/http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bristol-airport-sets-sights-on-becoming-major-uk-business-aviation-hub-388684/ |archive-date=28 July 2013 }}

In 2014, a new building called The Bristol Flying School was constructed to re-house the Bristol & Wessex Aeroplane Club and to contain a flying school operated by Aeros Flight Training, which formerly operated at Filton Airport.{{cite news |url=http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Flying-school-comes-land-new-headquarters/story-23195575-detail/story.html |last=Ribbeck |first=Michael |title=Flying school comes in to land at new headquarters |newspaper=Bristol Post |date=16 October 2014 |access-date=13 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141206203520/http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Flying-school-comes-land-new-headquarters/story-23195575-detail/story.html |archive-date=6 December 2014 }}

• On 19 January 1970, Vickers Viscount G-AMOA of Cambrian Airways was damaged beyond economic repair in a heavy landing.{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19700119-0 |title=Accident description |publisher=Aviation Safety Network |access-date=8 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025102530/http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19700119-0 |archive-date=25 October 2012 }}
• On 3 October 2010, a Thomson Airways Boeing 767 aircraft, registration G-OOBK, landed heavily on runway 09 in severe weather conditions, reduced visibility and turbulence. The flight number 519 was from Cancún Airport in Mexico and carried 258 passengers and 12 crew members. No injuries were reported. During approach, the commander decided to perform a manual landing as weather reported at Bristol was not consistent with that presented to them at their briefing. Both the commander and co-pilot were thrown forward during the touchdown, and this resulted in the commander pushing the control column forward, to a nose down position. The aircraft then rapidly pitched up and down, before eventually settling on the landing gear. None of the pilots had recent or regular experience of landings on runway 09, and they only operated to Bristol Airport approximately twice a year.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/aaib-reports/boeing-767-324-g-oobk-3-october-2010|title=Boeing 767-324, G-OOBK, 3 October 2010|website=GOV.UK|language=en|access-date=2019-05-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510080444/https://www.gov.uk/aaib-reports/boeing-767-324-g-oobk-3-october-2010|archive-date=10 May 2019|url-status=live}}
• On 22 December 2017, a BMI Regional Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, registration G-CKAG, exited the runway and became grounded after landing at 11:35. The flight was from Frankfurt and was carrying 22 passengers and three crew. No injuries were reported. The parking brake had been applied instead of the speed brakes before landing. The aircraft touched down on runway 27, the crew lost control of the aircraft and the aircraft exited the runway and entered a grass zone to the left, crossing taxiway Hotel at speed, causing the main landing gear tyres to burst. The aircraft came to rest in the grass shortly after. The aircraft was towed to the gate some 14 hours later. The incident resulted in several flights being diverted to other airports on what was called "Frantic Friday" as holidaymakers and families travelled for the Christmas period.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-42457193|title=Plane comes off runway after landing|date=22 December 2017|work=BBC News: Bristol|access-date=23 December 2017|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223000840/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-42457193|archive-date=23 December 2017|url-status=live}}

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• {{Official website}}
• [http://archives.bristol.gov.uk/Overview.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog Airport committee archive papers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925030930/http://archives.bristol.gov.uk/Overview.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog |date=25 September 2020 }}

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Category:Transport in Bristol

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Category:Airports in South West England

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Category:Airports established in 1940

Category:1940 establishments in England

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