Bristol Airport has awarded a £30m (US$40m) contract to Farrans for a two-floor terminal extension as part of its wider £400m (US$534m) transformation program.
Construction has begun on the extension, which will infill space between the existing terminal and the departure gates. The project is designed to support an increase in capacity to 12 million passengers per year.
The expanded terminal will increase floor space by nearly 45% and include 17 new retail and food and beverage units, bringing the total number of outlets to 38. Plans also include additional seating areas, island retail units and a redesigned arrivals hall featuring a new domestic baggage reclaim area with an extra carousel and a 20% increase in capacity. Immigration facilities will be upgraded with new lifts and stairs to improve accessibility.
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.
“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.”
Farrans, in a joint venture with Griffiths, previously completed the airport’s £60m (US$80m) Public Transport Interchange in July 2025.
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.”
He added that insulated hoardings and air-locked spaces would be installed to maintain passenger flow. A modular Bailey Bridge will be used to transfer vehicles and equipment from landside to airside during construction.
At peak activity, around 150 people are expected to be employed on the project, with a number of roles filled by local suppliers.
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