The number of flights each year would rise from 85,990 to almost 100,000. The cap on night flights would also increase from 4,000 to nearly 5,000.
About 10.8 million people currently use Bristol Airport each year. Under expansion plans, that figure will increase to accommodate 15 million passengers. An expansion of the runway would enable new long-haul routes to North America and the Middle East.
Bristol Airport says the carbon emissions caused by expansion would equate to less than 0.1% of the Government’s carbon budget cap on greenhouse gas emissions. But campaigners say this proportion of the budget equates to around 965,000 tonnes of CO2e, representing 83% of the annual CO2 emissions for transport, homes and industry across the entire North Somerset region in 2023.
Bristol Airport says the £500 million investment will create 1,000 new jobs on site, as well as around 36,000 jobs in the wider south-west region. The plan includes a larger terminal with more shops and restaurants, a bigger immigration hall and baggage handling facilities. Additional car parking and public transport improvements are also included.
Expansion plans would involve a strip of landing lights cutting across neighbouring Felton Common, a 100-acre greenspace with protected wildlife habitats. The airport would need to force the sale of the protected land – and is facing fierce opposition from campaigners.
Timeline
2018: Expansion plans unveiled: Bristol Airport submits planning application to North Somerset Council to increase capacity from 10m to 12m passengers a year.
2019: Climate emergencies declared in Bristol, North Somerset and other local authorities. Opposition grows and Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) forms to fight the expansion.
2020: North Somerset Council votes to reject expansion plans. Bristol Airport goes on to announce a decision to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
2021: A public inquiry sits for nearly ten weeks from July to October. Evidence is heard on carbon caps, the Green belt and economic benefits.
2022: Bristol Airport wins its appeal, overturning the council’s refusal. BAAN crowdfunds legal costs to bring a judicial review, heard in the High Court in November.
2023: The High Court dismisses the challenge from campaigners, clearing the way for expansion.
2024-25: Bristol Airport consults on its 2040 Master Plan, proposing a further expansion to 15m passengers a year. A final plan is published in June 2025.
2026: Bristol Airport submits plans for further expansion. A public consultation closed in June.
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