Bristol Airport advances expansion plans with a £30m terminal extension contract awarded to Farrans, supporting passenger growth projections.
Bristol Airport has formally appointed Farrans to deliver a £30 million terminal extension as part of its wider £400 million investment programme. The scheme is designed to increase annual capacity to 12 million passengers while improving operational efficiency and passenger flow.
The two-floor extension will infill the space between the existing terminal and departure gates. Floor space is set to increase by nearly 45%, enabling a significant expansion in retail and hospitality provision. The design incorporates 17 new units, alongside island retail concepts and additional seating areas structured to improve circulation and dwell time.
Arrivals infrastructure is also being upgraded. A new domestic baggage reclaim area will be introduced, including an additional carousel, increasing handling capacity by 20%. Immigration accessibility will be enhanced through the installation of new lifts and stairways, aligning with inclusive design requirements across UK aviation infrastructure.
Delivery within a live operational environment
Farrans will deliver the project in a live airport environment, maintaining uninterrupted passenger movement throughout construction. The contractor, which previously partnered with Griffiths on the airport’s Public Transport Interchange, brings established experience in phased aviation delivery.
That earlier £60 million interchange project, completed in July 2025, supports approximately 250 public transport movements daily and forms a key component of the airport’s modal shift strategy.
Andrew Goodenough, Infrastructure Director at Bristol Airport, stated: “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.
“Floor space is going to increase by almost 45% 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.”
Digital construction and logistics innovation in aviation projects
From a digital construction and logistics perspective, the project introduces complex sequencing and access strategies. Gerard McNamee, Project Manager at Farrans, highlighted the operational approach: “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 will be installing insulated hoardings and creating air locked spaces to maintain passenger flow.”
A notable logistics solution involves the deployment of a modular Bailey Bridge system to enable temporary airside access for plant and equipment. This approach supports programme efficiency while maintaining strict aviation security controls.
Farrans is concurrently delivering aviation projects at Leeds Bradford Airport and Stansted Airport, reinforcing its capability in complex, multi-site airport environments.
At peak delivery, approximately 150 personnel will be deployed, with a focus on engaging local supply chains and delivering measurable social value outcomes.
This project demonstrates how digital construction methodologies, logistics planning, and collaborative delivery models enable infrastructure expansion while maintaining operations, supporting long-term aviation capacity, regional growth, and improved passenger experience.
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