Bristol Airport has appointed Farrans to deliver a £30m expansion of its terminal, part of the airport's wider £400m investment programme to enhance the customer experience across the site.

Construction has begun on the two-storey extension, which will infill the space between the existing terminal and the departure gates. Designed to support throughput of 12 million passengers per year, the scheme will create additional space and almost double the number of shops and restaurants, incorporating 17 new units. Provision is also being made for island retail units and more seating, with comfort central to the layout.

Arrivals capacity will be strengthened through a new domestic baggage reclaim area featuring an additional carousel, delivering a 20% uplift, while accessibility in immigration will improve with the installation of new lifts and stairs.

Farrans, in a joint venture with Griffiths, previously completed the new Public Transport Interchange at Bristol Airport on time and on budget in July 2025. The £60 million project, also part of the Airport's £400 million investment, has enabled more sustainable journeys and sees around 250 public transport movements a day.

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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."

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.

"One of the most innovative features logistically for this project is that we will be using a Bailey Bridge, a modular military style bridge designed for rapid construction to temporarily bridge gaps, to bring our vehicles and equipment from land side to airside. We anticipate that at the peak of this project we will have approximately 150 people employed and many will be from local suppliers. As with our Public Transport Interchange scheme we will be working with our client to deliver an impactful social value programme throughout the extension works."