With weeks remaining until the opening of the east terminal extension, Bristol Airport has signed off the next major phase of its expansion programme ? a ?24million west terminal extension which will transform the security search process for passengers.
This is the biggest construction project at the airport since the current terminal building opened in 2000.
As part of the second major extension to the terminal, state-of-the-art technology will be introduced to a significantly enlarged security area in order to deliver a faster, more efficient experience.
The 9,000sq. m structure is approximately two and half times larger than the ?8.5m east terminal extension, set to be completed this month, and will also create an enlarged baggage reclaim area, customs facilities, arrivals retail, and meet and greet area, easing congestion and improving services for arriving passengers.
Work on the west terminal extension will be underway in a matter of weeks and is scheduled to open in summer 2016.
When completed it will house ten lanes in the central search area alongside two additional security channels in a dedicated Fast Track zone. An enlarged preparation area and significantly longer 21m lanes will enable more passengers to prepare for inspection simultaneously, reducing wait times and raising customer service standards.
As well as delivering immediate benefits to arriving and departing passengers, construction of the west terminal extension will also create space for future improvements to immigration facilities, enabling another bottleneck at busy times to be addressed.
Beyond the airport boundary, improvements to the transport system across the West of England, including the construction of a South Bristol Link, are underway and will enhance access from the north, east and west once completed in 2016.
