Bristol Airport - proposals for expansion, bus services and infrastructure - ongoing discussion

[whole diary]

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Airport reveals plans to expand onto green space

Bristol Airport says plans to extend its runway to accommodate long-haul aircraft will include taking over a small section of open access land.

The development would see landing lights and fencing installed on a small section of Felton Common, at the eastern edge of the runway, so it can handle larger long-haul planes needed for transatlantic flights.

A public consultation will open this week, but campaign group Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) has described the plans as "unacceptable".

A Bristol Airport spokesman said: "We realise how important the open space is to local people, and so we are consulting with those with rights on the common, users of the common and local residents. We would encourage people to find out more about our proposal and provide any feedback they might have to help shape our plans."

Richard Baxter, a local environmental campaigner speaking for BAAN, said: "Felton residents shouldn't have their community space reduced and their homes and wildlife facing such intense light pollution just to spare the airport its blushes for forgetting about the safe landing of its long-haul flights."

Last year, the airport announced its 'Masterplan to 2040', detailing its long-term vision to provide long-haul flights to destinations such as the Middle East and the east coast of America.

However, BAAN has claimed that the airport's plans did not take into account the need for approach landing lights, which are an essential safety feature.

Since publishing the master plan, the airport said it has has continued to refine its design to ensure it meets all relevant safety standards set by the Civil Aviation Authority, the UK^▸ (United Kingdom)'s independent regulator for aviation.

In order for the runway to continue operating safely, for all types of aircraft and in all weather conditions, the airport said it would need to relocate the existing approach lighting and install additional safety features at the end of the runway.

BAAN said their research suggests the new approach on Felton Common would be a row of bright white elevated lights placed 30 metres apart and 250 metres long (820ft) - roughly equivalent to the length of Park Street in Bristol.

Bristol Airport said people will still be able to continue to use all of the bridleways on the common and that care has been taken to maintain access across the green space. As the enclosed lighting would result in some loss of accessible open space and affect grazing rights, the airport said replacement land would be provided adjacent to the area.

The six-week consultation will open on Friday 7 November and close on Friday 19 December, with the feedback from the public collated ahead of a possible planning application in early 2026.

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Bristol Airport drop-off charges to increase

The fee to drop passengers off at Bristol Airport will increase by £1.50 after a series of yearly rises.

From Monday, it will cost £8.50 to park for 10 minutes at the Drop Off & Pick Up car park next to the terminal, as well as the Short Stay car park a short walk away.

A spokesperson for Bristol Airport said the increase was due to Chancellor Rachel Reeves' recent budget, which it said would see the airport's business rates bill significantly increase.

A spokesperson for the Treasury said it had delivered a £4.2bn support package to cap business rates, adding airports must follow consumer law and justify their charges.

The charge for the car parks has risen a number of times in recent years, going from £5 to £6 in 2024 and up to £7 in 2025.

Bristol Airport said the prices for parking in the Minibus and Over Height car park would be increasing from £7 to £8.50 for five minutes, and from £9 to £10.50 for five to 20 minutes. Blue badge holders dropping off family and friends will still be allowed to use the drop-off car park for up to 40 minutes, but for an increased cost of £8.50.

A recent analysis of government figures by news agency PA^▸ (Public Address (broadcast loudspeaker announcements) or Passenger Assist (railway staff providing physical assistance to passengers with mobility issues), depending on context) Media found regional airports were among those facing the sharpest increases in business rates of any sector.

A government spokesperson said: "Airports are responsible for setting their own parking terms but must follow consumer law and justify their charges. We're delivering a £4.3bn support package to cap business rates bill increases at 30% before other reliefs for the largest properties, including airports. Without intervention those would be up to 500%."

The airport said the new rates would become its "single biggest non-operational cost".

"Unfortunately, like other airports, some of the cost will be passed on to consumers," they said, adding that the decision was "needed to balance protecting people's jobs as well as its commitment to improving the customer journey" with plans to reach net zero targets by 2030.

The spokesperson said it was hoped the price increase would "discourage high volumes" of customers using the drop-off car park and instead mean people are more likely to use public transport. The Bristol Airport flyer is one option for passengers, with the bus costing £9 for an adult return from Bristol or £7 for an adult return from Weston-super-Mare. The airport spokesperson said passengers could also make use of a free shuttle bus from its waiting zone, with the zone's capacity set to double.

[grahame]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

The spokesperson said it was hoped the price increase would "discourage high volumes" of customers using the drop-off car park and instead mean people are more likely to use public transport. The Bristol Airport flyer is one option for passengers, with the bus costing £9 for an adult return from Bristol or £7 for an adult return from Weston-super-Mare.

How much does Bristol Airport charge each bus that comes in, and how much will that rise?

[Mark A]

Ransom strip, much?

Mark

[Timmer]

The spokesperson said it was hoped the price increase would "discourage high volumes" of customers using the drop-off car park and instead mean people are more likely to use public transport.

But they’ve just spent a small fortune building a new drop-off car park!

They know full well that despite hiking up the charges that people will still use the drop-off car park and they can watch the cash roll in. People will moan about the cost but will still use it as it’s quick and convenient.

Parking and retail is where airports, particularly regional ones make their money.

[rogerw]

The fares quoted for the Bristol airport buses are single fares not returns which cost £15

[Kernow Otter]

Not to forget the option of through ticketing as part of a GWR^▸ (Great Western Railway) rail fare.  8 of us heading to Bristol Airport later in the year and have opted for the train from Cornwall.  Should be interesting !

[JayMac]

The fares quoted for the Bristol airport buses are single fares not returns which cost £15

If you're travelling relatively light then the U2 bus to Airport Tavern is currently £3 each way.

[TonyK]

If you're travelling relatively light then the U2 bus to Airport Tavern is currently £3 each way.

I got the Falcon bus from Cullompton for one holiday, I think early 2023. It cost me £9 return - actually £3 in Tesco vouchers.

[Noggin]

The spokesperson said it was hoped the price increase would "discourage high volumes" of customers using the drop-off car park and instead mean people are more likely to use public transport.

But they’ve just spent a small fortune building a new drop-off car park!

They know full well that despite hiking up the charges that people will still use the drop-off car park and they can watch the cash roll in. People will moan about the cost but will still use it as it’s quick and convenient.

Parking and retail is where airports, particularly regional ones make their money.

For many older and mobility-impaired people, being dropped off is often the only practical option, particularly for those with wheelchairs.

The airport does give a blue-badge discount on drop-off, but it's only something like £1.50 

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Airport drop-off charges: how does yours compare?

The fee to drop passengers off at Bristol Airport has increased to £8.50, making it one of the most expensive in England.

The charge to park for 10 minutes in the drop-off area has risen a number of times in recent years, with a spokesperson for the airport saying the latest increase was due to the chancellor's recent budget - which would see its business rates bill rise.

In response to the news, Clive Wratten from the Business Travel Association said airports were "pulling the easiest revenue lever" by increasing their parking fees. He added public transport was often not an alternative option, especially at airports outside London. "Pricing people out at the kerbside does not suddenly make public transport viable - it just pushes more cost onto workers, businesses and the taxi community," he said.

Take a look at how airport drop-off charges compare across England.

Bristol Airport
Bristol Airport offers a range of parking options as well as links to public transport.
Short Stay car park: Located eight to 10 minutes walk from the terminal. It charges £8.50 for up to 15 minutes or £10.50 for 15 to 30 minutes parking.
Bristol Airport Flyer: £15 for an adult return from Bristol or £7 for an adult return from Weston-super-Mare.
Free shuttle bus: Passengers can board the shuttle from the waiting zone, which offers free parking for up to an hour. The shuttle drops passengers off at the Transport Interchange which is located a short walk away from the terminal.

London Heathrow
Parking fees cost the same at all Heathrow terminals. There are also links to public transport like the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Express and free transportation between terminals.
Drop-off area: £7 for 10 minutes parking.
Short stay car parks: £7.50 for up to 29 minutes parking.
Long stay car parks: Located further from the terminals, but served by free shuttle buses that run every 15 minutes. Motorists can park for up to 29 minutes for free.

London Gatwick
From Tuesday, London Gatwick will overtake Bristol and become the most expensive for drop-off and pick-up parking when its fees increase by £3.
Parking fees are the same at both North and South terminals.
Drop-off area: £10 for 10 minutes parking.
Short stay car parks: £7 for up to 30 minutes parking.
Long stay car parks: Located further from the terminals, but served by free shuttle buses. Parking is free for up to two hours.

London Stansted
Drop-off area: £7 for 15 minutes parking.
Short stay car parks: £7 for up to 30 minutes parking. Located a short walk away from the terminals.
Long stay car parks: Free parking for up to two hours. Located further from the terminals, but served by free shuttle buses.

London Luton
Drop-off area: £7 for 10 minutes parking.
Short stay car park: £15 for 30 minutes parking. Reduced tariff for blue badge holders and fully electric vehicles.
Long stay car park: Located further from the terminal, but served by free shuttle buses. Free parking for up to two hours.

London City
London City Airport will introduce a drop-off charge for the first time from Tuesday. Blue badge holders will be exempt from the fees.
Drop-off area: £8 for up to five minutes, then £1 per minute. Maximum stay is 10 minutes.
Short stay car park: £6.90 for up to 20 minutes parking.
Long stay car park: £74.90 for eight to 24 hours parking.

London Southend
Drop-off area: £8 for up to ten minutes.
Short stay car park: £45 for one to two hours.
Long stay car park: £65 for four to 24 hours. £65 for each additional 24 hours or part thereof.

Birmingham
Drop-off area: Free for up to 10 minutes.
Short stay car park: Ranges from £2.50 to £10.50 for up to one hour depending on car park.
Long stay car park: Ranges from £49 to £64 for up to 24 hours, depending on car park.

Manchester
Paid drop-off area: £5 for five minutes at terminals one, two and three.
Free drop-off area: Located in JetParks 1. Passengers can travel to the terminals for free on a shuttle bus service, with the journey taking about six minutes.
Short stay car park: £12.80 for up to one hour.
Long stay car park: £61.40 per 24 hours.

East Midlands
Drop-off area: £5 for up to 15 minutes.
Short stay car park: £8 for up to one hour.
Long stay car park: from £40 for 24 hours.

Newcastle International
Newcastle Airport scrapped its free drop-off parking in December.
90 minutes' free parking at Callerton Parkway, next to the Metro station, with a free shuttle bus running every 30 minutes.
Drop-off area: £5 for up to 10 minutes.
Short stay 1 car park: £18 for up to one hour.
Long stay car park: £40 for one day, £25 per day or part thereafter.

Liverpool John Lennon
Express drop-off area: £6 for up to 10 minutes.
Short stay for non-booked parking: £8 for up to 30 minutes.
Long stay for non-booked parking: £12 for up to one hour, £50 per day and £25 per day or part thereafter.

Leeds Bradford
Drop-off area: £7 for up to 10 minutes.
Short stay for non-booked parking: £83 per day, £48 per additional day.
Long stay for non-booked parking: £57 per day, £18 per additional day.

Teesside International
Drop-off area: £2.50 for up to 10 minutes, rising to £5 for 60 minutes, and £7 per hour thereafter.
Longer stays: £24 up to 24 hours if booked in advance, £36 for 24 hours for non-booked parking.

Norwich
Drop-off area: £6 for up to 30 minutes in car park 1.
Longer stays: £10 for up to 4 hours in car park 2, £35 for 24 hours in car park 2.

Southampton
Drop-off area: £7 for up to 20 minutes in the short stay car park.
Short stay: £15 for up to one hour.
Longer stay: £60 for up to 24 hours.

Bournemouth
Drop-off area: £6 for up to 30 minutes in car park 1.
Short stay: £10 for up to two hours.
Longer stay: £40 for one day.

Exeter
Drop-off area: £6 for up to 14 minutes in car park 1, closest to the airport. Free for up to 30 minutes in car park 4, further away.
Short stay: £10 for up to 2 hours in car park 1.
Long stay: £45 for one day in car park 1, £30 in car park 4.

Cornwall Airport Newquay
Drop-off area: free for up to 10 minutes.
Short stay: £7.50 for up to 2 hours.
Long stay: £26 for up to 24 hours on the day, £20 if booked in advance.

[Chris from Nailsea]

From the BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page):

Airport disruption a 'shambles' as flights restart

[Image from here is not available to guests]
People were left trapped at the airport on Friday evening - Image © Paul Smith

Disruption because of a runway defect at Bristol Airport continues, as flights start to depart.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded on Friday evening after the decision was made to close the runway shortly after 18:00 BST. All flights were suspended until 08:00 on Saturday.

Flights have since restarted amid delayed take offs and diversions.

In a short statement on the airport website, a spokesperson said: "There will be some disruption to some flights today. We apologise for any inconvenience caused."

(BBC article continues)

[Mark A]

A minor up side (for the airport) is that the charge to access the place is that high, will they possibly make a little money from people coming and going as a result of the disruption.

Mark

[Chris from Nailsea]

Bristol Airport, profiteering?  Whatever next?? 

[grahame]

A minor up side (for the airport) is that the charge to access the place is that high, will they possibly make a little money from people coming and going as a result of the disruption.

Mark

It's hearing stories like this, and seeing pictures like that supplied, that remind me just how happy I am to have given up air travel as much as I practically can. And there are very few reasons - in practise - that it's a life necessity for us.   

For sure, 5 hours late into Aachen on Tuesday and that standing on a bus, and then an earlier departure from there - before seven rather than after 8 the following day, followed by a 15 minute connection that failed at Chippenham Station into the only daily bus from there to our road in Melksham, but there are usually solutions that are not as bad as the airport scenes seen.