Bristol Airport expansion plans gain strong public support as survey highlights regional demand for increased capacity

(IN SHORT) A YouGov survey shows strong regional support for Bristol Airport’s proposed expansion, with nearly twice as many residents in favour as opposed. The plans aim to increase capacity to 15 million passengers annually and include a £500 million investment in infrastructure, new routes, and improved passenger facilities. The expansion is expected to enhance connectivity, support economic growth, and create jobs while also encouraging greater use of public transport. With increasing demand for international travel and strong regional usage, the project positions Bristol Airport as a key driver of future growth in the West of England.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, UK, 2026-Apr-27 — /Travel PR News/ — Bristol Airport has received notable public backing for its proposed expansion plans, according to a recent survey conducted by YouGov. The poll indicates that support for increasing the airport’s capacity significantly outweighs opposition among residents in the West of England.

The survey found that 44% of respondents are in favour of expanding the airport to accommodate up to 15 million passengers annually, while 24% oppose the proposal. The remaining participants were either undecided or neutral on the plans.

The expansion proposals, recently submitted to North Somerset Council, aim to enhance the airport’s connectivity by introducing additional routes. These include new European destinations and a limited number of long-haul services to regions such as North America and the Middle East, with onward connections to Asia.

The plans involve an investment of approximately £500 million, focused on both airport infrastructure and surrounding transport improvements. Key developments include a runway extension to accommodate larger aircraft, expansion of the terminal to increase passenger capacity, and enhancements to the overall customer experience. Planned upgrades also feature improved retail and dining options and more efficient boarding processes, including increased direct access to aircraft.

Dave Lees, Chief Executive Officer of Bristol Airport, welcomed the findings, noting that they reflect strong regional demand for improved air connectivity. He highlighted that the proposed expansion would not only improve travel options for both leisure and business passengers but also support economic growth by creating around 1,000 on-site jobs.

The survey also underlined the airport’s importance as a regional transport hub, with 60% of respondents having used it within the past two years and 73% indicating they are likely to do so in the near future.

Changing travel patterns were also evident, with 28% of respondents reporting close family connections abroad, contributing to increased demand for international travel. This trend is seen as a key driver of both outbound and inbound passenger growth.

Sustainability considerations are also part of the expansion strategy. Among those surveyed, 43% expressed a greater willingness to use public transport when travelling to the airport. Current figures show that one in five passengers already use buses or coaches, with plans to increase this to one in four through investments in transport infrastructure, including a new public transport interchange and improved bus access along the A38.

Currently serving around 10.8 million passengers annually, Bristol Airport is seeking approval to raise its passenger cap from 12 million to 15 million per year, a level it expects to reach by the late 2030s. The proposed increase represents a relatively small share of total UK air travel but is expected to reduce reliance on London airports while supporting regional economic development and tourism growth.

Media contact:
pressoffice@bristolairport.com

SOURCE: Bristol Airport