With only weeks remaining until the opening of the east terminal extension, Bristol Airport has signed off the next major phase of its expansion programme – a £24 million 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 9,000 square metre structure is approximately two and half times larger than the £8.5m east terminal extension set to be completed next 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 get underway in a matter of weeks and is scheduled to open in summer 2016. When completed it will house 10 lanes in the central search area alongside two additional security channels in a dedicated Fast Track zone. An enlarged preparation area and significantly longer 21 metre lanes will enable more passengers to prepare for inspection simultaneously, reducing wait times and raising customer service standards.
Bristol Airport is in discussion with security technology providers to ensure the new facility maximises the use of state-of-the-art equipment. The combination of space, a more streamlined process and the latest generation of security technology is expected to deliver an industry-leading passenger experience.
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.