**Bristol Airport Unveils Major Overhaul to Parking and Transport Facilities**
In what has been hailed as the most substantial development at Bristol Airport in decades, the airport has this week rolled out seven key changes to its parking and passenger transport arrangements. The comprehensive upgrade accompanies the opening of a new passenger transport interchange, a facility set to revolutionise access for travellers arriving by a variety of means, including private car, taxi, minibus, or public transport.
Announced officially for July 16, these changes are part of a broader strategy to improve the passenger experience and accommodate growing customer numbers. The airport’s management has described the developments as a “major upgrade”, underlining the importance of maintaining smooth, accessible connections between parking zones and the main terminal.
One of the primary elements of the new strategy is the launch of the passenger transport interchange — a covered facility serving as the central link point between parking areas and the main terminal. With a focus on providing level and weather-protected access, all shuttle and coach drop-offs now feed directly into this new hub, streamlining the movement of passengers with luggage.
Part of the major transformation includes the expansion of the multi-storey car park. Not only does it now offer twice as many spaces, but enhanced covered walkways mean travellers can walk to the terminal in as little as three minutes. This change aims to encourage more passengers to use the airport’s on-site parking offerings, which have been designed to suit a wide range of budgets and needs.
The meet-and-greet parking service, popular amongst travellers seeking convenience and speed, has also been relocated. It now occupies space on level two of the enlarged multi-storey facility, making it easier for passengers to reach the terminal via lift and a flat, covered bridge. Meanwhile, what was previously the short-stay and pick-up car park has been reclassified. It will now serve only short-term parking needs, with picking up passengers shifted to the new transport interchange. This move is expected to reduce congestion and make logistics simpler for all users.
Another notable change involves the drop-off and “Drop and Go” services. Both have been repositioned within the new interchange, ensuring passengers taking only a few minutes to unload or collect can do so within close proximity to the main terminal, thanks to flat-access pathways under cover. Remodelling of the coach and bus parking areas now means that vehicles with more than 16 seats also use the interchange zone, keeping large groups and individual travellers moving efficiently.
For larger vehicles that don’t fit standard parking options—minibuses and over-height vehicles—there is now a designated drop-off and pick-up area within the revamped scheme. This zone accommodates those under 16 seats but over 2.1 metres in height, catering to a growing demand for specialist vehicle access.
While the long-stay car park remains temporarily closed and is not scheduled for reopening until spring 2026, airport officials urge passengers to explore the newly enhanced multi-storey and interchange options. This comes as the airport introduces additional passenger amenities, such as new waiting areas, rest facilities, and announces that a Marks & Spencer convenience outlet will soon open on site.
Reflecting on the project, Dave Lees, Bristol Airport’s CEO, previously stated: “This project is transformational for our customers. It is the largest single capital investment project since the terminal opened in 2000 and will take 18 months to complete.” While these large-scale changes present a complex undertaking, airport management affirms that careful phasing has been prioritised to minimise disruption to regular operations.
As Bristol Airport continues its modernisation efforts, the travel hub’s leadership highlights the essential role of infrastructure in maintaining smooth journeys, reducing hassles for drivers and passengers alike, and ensuring the airport keeps pace with changing travel habits. The current raft of improvements signals not only a response to immediate customer needs, but an investment in the facility’s long-term future.