News / construction
Work begins on £30m airport terminal extension
Construction work has begun on a two-floor terminal extension at Bristol Airport, increasing capacity to 12 million passengers a year.
The extension will occupy the space between the existing building and the departure gates.
The Irish contractor Farrans has secured the £30m project.
The expansion is expected to nearly double the number of shops and restaurants, adding 17 new units alongside island retail spaces and additional seating.
The expansion is expected to nearly double the number of shops and restaurants, adding 17 new units – photo: Farrans
Andrew Goodenough, infrastructure director at Bristol Airport, said: “We have ambitious plans to transform our customer experience over the next couple of years, and we really appreciate our customers’ patience and understanding while all of these massive improvements are taking place.”
Farrans is not new to the wider airport regeneration scheme.
In joint venture with Griffiths, it previously delivered the airport’s £60m Public Transport Interchange in July 2025, part of a wider £400m investment programme that now supports around 250 public transport movements a day.
He added: “Floor space is going to increase by almost 45 per cent and we’ll have a total of 38 retail and food and beverage outlets, including premium brands and dining options, as well as a hidden speakeasy bar.
“We’re pleased to have Farrans back on site with us to deliver this project following the success of our Public Transport Interchange.”
“We have ambitious plans to transform our customer experience over the next couple of years,” said Andrew Goodenough, infrastructure director at Bristol Airport – photo: Martin Booth
Arrivals will benefit from a new domestic baggage reclaim area and a 20 per cent capacity boost, while immigration access will be improved with new lifts and stairs.
Gerard McNamee, project manager at Farrans, said: “This is an exciting project which will be completed in a live environment in which all passenger routes need to remain open at all times.
“We have an extensive aviation portfolio with projects underway at Leeds Bradford Airport, Stansted Airport and Bristol Airport at the moment, so we are well versed in working collaboratively with our clients to reduce any disruption.
“We will be installing insulated hoardings and creating air locked spaces to maintain passenger flow.”
The work has begun on a two-floor terminal extension at Bristol Airport, increasing capacity to 12 million passengers a year – photo: Farrans
At the peak of the project, around 150 people are expected to be employed, many from local suppliers.
Main photo: Farrans
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