Bristol Airport is working on an expansion project include a 150 metre runway extension (Image: Getty)
A tiny UK has revealed its plans to have direct flights to America and the , a longer runway and more car parking. is working on an expansion project including a 150-metre runway extension that could see it operate regular transatlantic flights.
The airport plans to expand the number of aircraft stands from 38 to 48, which will eliminate the need for buses to transport passengers to planes.
According to the airport, the proposed runway extension, which will bring it closer to the airport boundary and the A38, aims to enhance operational efficiency and accommodate larger aircraft, enabling long-haul flights.
This includes new routes, such as transatlantic flights to North America and growing demand for destinations in the Middle East like Doha and .
The airport emphasises that the extension will stay within its existing boundaries, requiring no changes to the A38.
However, the plans do include improvements to the road to ease traffic flow and the addition of a bus priority lane to encourage greater use of public transport.
Additionally, to accommodate the proposed increase in passenger capacity from 12 million to 15 million annually, airport authorities intend to include a designated area for a potential future rail or mass rapid transit connection to Bristol, reports .
The airport secured planning permission last year to expand its capacity from 9 million to 12 million passengers annually, following a prolonged four-year legal battle with a coalition of opponents.
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Speaking about the new plans, a spokesperson for the airport told BristolLive: “There are now more than 10 million passengers a year using Bristol Airport, providing more than 5,000 local jobs and contributing £2 billion to the regional economy.
“Connecting the region to more than 115 destinations increases productivity, supports businesses and enables inbound tourism.
“The masterplan to 2040 will look at expected passenger growth beyond the current allowance of 12 million passengers per annum, so it can serve up to 15 million passengers per year by around 2036.
“This will set a clear development intent to be given due consideration in the local planning process, with a planning application likely to be going to North Somerset Council next year.”