United Kingdom’s Bristol Airport is facing a challenge again after the High Court gave a green light to an expansion. The original project was banned in 2020 by North Somerset Council which could increase annual passenger capacity to 12 million from 10 million and handle up to 10,420 extra flights. Bristol could attract more international destinations as a result. However, Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) vowed to appeal the High Court’s decision.
Bristol Airport said the expansion would meet the travel demand for South West England in the future. The project includes to expand the terminal, build a multi-story car park and improve the public transport. Earlier, Bristol has started its redevelopment of its departure lounge.
The airport said 800 new jobs will be hired at the airport and up to a further 5,000 jobs will be created across the region, with a focus on the most deprived areas. The expansion could bring an estimated 430 million pounds to the economy of the South West of England and South Wales. In addition, the customers living in the region could avoid going to London airports for traveling abroad.
Bristol Airport handled nearly nine million passengers in 2019 and the airport has seen a speedy recovery after the pandemic. According to Civil Aviation Authority, from Dec 2021 to Nov 2022, it handled 7.7 million passengers. The airport mainly provides the flights to Europe and domestic service.
BANN said the expansion could fall short of protecting the environment and believes “this shows a total disregard for the climate emergency we are in.” However, the airport mentioned that it will meet the target of net zero carbon operation by 2030.
Swiss Touches Down at Bristol
Bristol Airport is determined to develop and expand its route map. Last Saturday, Bristol has welcomed Swiss International Air Lines’ maiden flight from Zurich.
Bristol is Swiss’s the eighth destination in the U.K. and the carrier will operate a weekly flight in the first phase. The airline will increase its frequencies and as of June it will operate three weekly flights.
“This is an incredibly exciting day for Bristol Airport and the region. Swiss is a major global airline and this decision shows confidence in the region. The regular service between Bristol and Switzerland opens up a wide range of European and worldwide connections to our customers.” Shaun Browne, Head of Airline Relation of the airline said.
“Our new Bristol services offers convenient schedules between Bristol and Switzerland’s financial centre and as easy access to our global network of over 110 destinations.” Heinrich Lange, Senior Director Sales Northern Europe Lufthansa Group Airlines said.
The airline will operate with Airbus A220 and the Embraer E190 aircraft of wet-lease partner Helvetic Airways.
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