Passenger numbers at Bristol Airport rose by 6.9% in June against the same month last year and airport bosses are expecting a busier than usual end to July as the traditional summer getaway coincides with an expected increase in inbound passengers en route to Olympic events in Cardiff and Weymouth.
The airport, which last year handled 5.8m passengers, has recently introduced a range of improvements to its facilities with including an additional immigration facility and an expanded security search area to increase the efficiency and reduce queues at peak times.
It has also introduced a range of child-friendly initiatives – from an extra-wide security channel with space for baby buggies to colouring packs which will be available at peak times in the departure lounge.
Children’s menus and an activity pack of puzzles and games for the younger flyer are available in the airport’s Dexters restaurant. Parents can also pre-order baby food from Superdrug, ready for collection in the departure lounge (for more information go to http://www.bristolairport.co.uk/shops-and-restaurants/shops/superdrug.aspx).
Passengers flying out at the same time as the summer’s big sporting events will be able to watch them on screens in the airport’s bars and there will also be Olympic-themed days and other entertainment in the terminal including magicians.
Head of customer operations Alison Roberts said: “We will be working hard to provide a great start to passengers’ summer holidays. But check-in, security search and boarding can sometimes take a little time for families and large groups. Holidaymakers can help us take the stress out the start of their journey by making sure they allow enough time for all of these essential processes.”
Last month Transport Secretary Justine Greening officially opened three new aircraft stands at the airport, taking the total number of stands to 29.
The new stands will increase capacity and also be able to accommodate larger aircraft – including Airbus’s yet-to-fly A350 and its rival, Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner – which in turn will mean the airport will be able to add longer haul destinations.
In total 30 projects worth around £150m which will enable growth over the next decade, lifting capacity to 10m passengers a year.
