Jazmin Li
Bristol Airport, formerly known as Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport, is located in Lulsgate Bottom, North Somerset, on the site of a former RAF base. The airport was opened in 1957 and now handles over 8 million passengers annually. Bristol Airport offers flights to various domestic and international destinations, with easyJet, Pegasus Airlines, and other carriers operating from the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Bristol Airport/Bristol International Airport |
| Location | Lulsgate Bottom, North Somerset |
| Year of opening | 1957 |
| Previous names | Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport, Lulsgate Aerodrome |
| Previous uses | RAF base, Bristol Gliding Club |
| Ownership | Bristol Airport plc, Bristol City Council |
| Hotel | Hampton by Hilton |
| Passenger numbers | 8 million+ per year |
| Airlines | Pegasus Airlines, KLM, Go Fly, EasyJet, Continental Airlines |
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What You'll Learn
Bristol Airport history
Bristol Airport, located on the northern slopes of the Mendip Hills in North Somerset, has a long history that dates back to the early days of aviation. The airport has undergone several transformations and expansions over the years, reflecting the changing nature of air travel and the region's evolving connection to the world.
The history of Bristol Airport can be traced back to 1927 when a group of local businessmen established the Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club through public subscriptions. This flying club was initially based at Filton Aerodrome, which later became the birthplace of Concorde. In 1929, the club proposed to develop farmland at Whitchurch, located south of Bristol, into a municipal airport. This proposal was accepted, and the airport was officially opened on 31st May 1930 by HRH Prince George, Duke of Kent, becoming the third civil airport in the United Kingdom.
During World War II, Whitchurch Airport remained operational and played a crucial role. It served as the main civil airport, accommodating the British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) and airlines such as Imperial Airways and KLM. Notable figures like Winston Churchill and Amy Johnson used the airport during this period. By 1939, passenger numbers had reached 4,000 annually. However, the airport was requisitioned by the Air Ministry at the outbreak of World War II, and its future was uncertain due to the challenges of extending the runway.
In 1955, Bristol secured a ten-year battle for a new city airport. The city purchased Lulsgate Bottom Airfield, a former RAF airfield, for £55,000. The new airport, known as Bristol (Lulsgate) Airport, officially opened in May 1957 and was inaugurated by the Duchess of Kent. The airport's first year of operation saw 33,000 passengers and significant freight traffic. Over the years, Bristol Airport continued to expand and improve its infrastructure, including the construction of a new control tower, runway extensions, and terminal expansions.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Bristol Airport underwent further developments, including the opening of a new concourse area in 1988 and the approval of a planning application for a new terminal in 1994. In 1997, the airport was relaunched as Bristol International Airport, reflecting its growing international connections. That year, a majority shareholding in the airport was sold to FirstGroup, marking a shift in ownership. In 2000, a new terminal building was opened by HRH Princess Royal, offering improved facilities and an enhanced passenger experience.
More recently, Bristol Airport has continued to grow and adapt to meet the demands of modern air travel. In 2014, a planning application was submitted for a 201-room hotel, addressing the lack of on-site accommodation. The airport has also experienced challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a temporary closure in 2020. Despite these setbacks, Bristol Airport remains a vital transport hub, serving over 8.9 million passengers in 2019 and offering connections to various domestic and international destinations.
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Bristol Airport facilities
Bristol Airport (BRS) is a busy airport in the UK, with over three million passengers passing through in 2002. The airport has a variety of facilities to cater to the needs of its passengers.
The airport has a modern, single-terminal building with 16 gates across three floors. The Ground Floor is the main arrivals hall, with check-in desks, passport control, foreign exchange services, and shops, including WH Smith and M&S. The First Floor is where passengers go through security and into the departures lounge, with World Duty Free shopping and stores like Boots, JD, and Accessorize. Bristol Airport also offers a range of dining options, including at least one 24-hour eatery, and various lounges for passengers to relax and unwind before their flights.
Speaking of lounges, Bristol Airport has several, including the Escape Lounge, which offers a tranquil space away from the busy terminal. The Escape Lounge serves freshly prepared hot and cold food, including local cuisine and gluten-free and vegan options. It also has a complimentary bar with premium drinks and locally inspired cocktails. The lounge is open to all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class, and offers pre-booking options.
Another lounge option is the Aspire Lounge, located airside on the Mezzanine Floor. This lounge provides complimentary hot and cold food and drinks, free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, newspapers, and magazines. It also has a quiet zone and business facilities. Bristol Airport also has a first-class lounge accessible through fee-based entry.
In terms of parking, Bristol Airport offers a range of options, including the Drop & Go car park for quick drop-offs and the Short Stay & Pick Up car park for more convenient passenger pick-ups. The airport also provides a Fast Track Pass to expedite the airport security process.
Additionally, for travellers who need to stay overnight or those with layovers, Bristol Airport has an on-site hotel, the Hampton by Hilton, located just 3 minutes away from the terminal. There are also other nearby hotels, such as the Forge Accommodation. The airport is open 24 hours, but it's important to note that there are no dedicated sleeping areas within the airport itself.
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Bristol Airport arrivals and departures
Bristol Airport, previously known as Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport, is located in Bristol, UK. It was the third civil airport in the United Kingdom when it opened in 1930.
The Bristol Airport website provides a full flight and destination guide, as well as live arrivals and departures information. The airport also offers cheaper parking options, security information, pre-arrival checklists, twilight bag drop, and a terminal guide.
For those interested in tracking flights in real-time, websites like Flightradar24 provide a live flight tracker, as well as up-to-date flight status and airport information.
In terms of airport facilities, Bristol Airport features an on-site hotel, perfect for overnight stays. The airport also has various shopping and restaurant options, with deals and offers available through Bristol Airport Rewards emails.
For travellers looking for new destinations and flights, Bristol Airport has brand new destinations and flights launching in 2025. For example, Pegasus Airlines will be launching a three-times weekly service to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen, providing connections to Europe, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East.
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Bristol Airport parking
Bristol Airport, previously known as Bristol International Airport, offers a range of parking options for travellers. The airport's official website provides information on various car parks, including the Silver Zone, Multi-Storey Car Park, and Meet and Greet services. Booking directly through the Bristol Airport website guarantees the best price, with a price match promise if a cheaper rate is found within 24 hours of booking.
The Silver Zone is the most affordable option, offering a park-and-ride service with a regular bus shuttle to the terminal. For added convenience, the Multi-Storey Car Park is just a few minutes' walk from check-in. Meanwhile, the Meet and Greet service allows travellers to drop off their cars at the terminal, with staff taking care of the parking.
Several third-party providers, such as Holiday Extras and Oakwood Parking, also offer competitive rates for Bristol Airport parking. Holiday Extras boasts savings of up to 75% on top car parks, including the Long Stay car park, Silver Zone Park and Ride, Multi-Storey car park, Premier Parking, and Meet and Greet services. Prices can be as low as £6.74 per day when booked in advance, with short-stay options starting from £5 for up to 20 minutes.
Travellers can benefit from the convenience and peace of mind that comes with securing airport parking in advance, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience when travelling through Bristol Airport.
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Bristol Airport destinations
Bristol Airport (BRS) is one of the UK's busiest airports, with flights to 150 airports around the world as of April 2025. The airport has a rich history, dating back to the Bristol and Wessex Aeroplane Club, which was formed in 1927. During World War II, it was the main civil airport that remained operational. Today, it is a thriving transport hub with a range of destinations on offer.
The airport offers direct flights to a variety of European cities, including Amsterdam, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. These routes are served by a number of airlines, including easyJet, Ryanair, and KLM. In addition to these popular routes, Bristol Airport also provides connections to further destinations in Europe, Central Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East through Pegasus Airlines' Bristol-Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen service.
Long-haul flights are also available from Bristol Airport, with direct services to Sal and Sharm el Sheikh. The route to Sal is currently the longest flight from Bristol, with a flight time of around 5 hours and 55 minutes. Additionally, Continental Airlines introduced a direct flight to Newark in 2005, but this service ceased in 2010.
The airport has seen significant development over the years, including the construction of a new terminal in 1994 and a new concourse area in 1998. In recent years, there have been plans to expand the airport further to accommodate growing passenger numbers, with proposals to enlarge the passenger terminus and plane taxiways, as well as increase parking capacity.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Bristol Airport is located in North Somerset and was opened in 1957 on the site of a former RAF base.
Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport was the third civil airport in the United Kingdom when it opened in 1930. During World War II, it was the main civil airport that remained operational. In 1955, the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation sold the Lulsgate airfield to Bristol Corporation for the development of a new airport, which became Bristol Airport.
Some airlines that operate from Bristol Airport include Pegasus Airlines, KLM, EasyJet, and Continental Airlines.
Bristol Airport offers facilities such as an on-site hotel, parking, shopping, and restaurants.
