Bristol Airport’s £30M Upgrade: New Shops and a Secret Speakeasy

Bristol Airport is undergoing a major transformation, with an ambitious plan to significantly enhance the passenger experience. As one of the key transport hubs in the South West, the airport welcomes over 10 million passengers annually. To meet the growing demand for improved facilities and more space, the airport has unveiled a £400 million expansion project, aiming to increase annual passenger numbers to 12 million.

The first phase of the project involved the construction of a £60 million transport hub and car park, including a new multi-storey car park that can accommodate over 2,000 parking spaces. This was followed by the £30 million terminal extension project, which is set to transform the departure lounge into a vibrant space filled with shops, restaurants, and unique amenities.

What will Bristol Airport’s new Departure Lounge look like?

In February, it was announced that civil engineering and building contractor Farrans had been awarded the £30 million terminal extension project. The company stated that the ‘innovative’ plans would begin in a ‘live environment,’ ensuring all passenger routes remain open during the construction process. This means that travelers heading to destinations like Mallorca won’t have to worry about the airport closing its doors anytime soon.

According to the contractor, work has already begun on the two-floor terminal extension, which will infill an area between the existing terminal building and the departure gates. The new area will play a crucial role in the airport’s goal to reach 12 million passengers per year, with 17 new units added, including a mix of new shops and restaurants. There will also be space for convenient island retail units and more seating, designed with comfort in mind.

The arrivals hall will also see improvements, including a new domestic arrivals reclaim area with an additional baggage carousel and a 20% increase in capacity. Accessibility in immigration will be enhanced with new lifts and stairs.

Andrew Goodenough, infrastructure director at Bristol Airport, mentioned that floor space will increase by almost 45%, with a total of 38 retail and food and beverage outlets, including premium brands and dining options. The airport has also hinted at the inclusion of a ‘hidden speakeasy bar,’ though no further details have been revealed.

Passengers have already taken to TikTok to praise the airport’s ‘calm’ and ‘tranquil’ Escape Lounge, a newly established premium space located on the first floor of the departure lounge. Designed to elevate the pre-flight experience, the lounge features an additional 140 seats and floor-to-ceiling glass windows offering views of the Eastern apron. There are multiple zones for relaxing, working, eating, or enjoying a glass (or three) of fizz before boarding. Customers can pre-book a spot in the lounge for £34.99 per person, with a maximum stay of three hours.

When will Bristol Airport’s new Departure Lounge open?

According to Bristol Airport, passengers should be able to start seeing the new shops and restaurants open to the public from Spring 2027. The goal is to complete the entire Departure Lounge transformation by January 2029.

What else is changing at Bristol Airport?

The overarching £400 million project involves a variety of smaller initiatives aimed at improving every aspect of the airport’s function. Developments already completed include an £11.5 million project to introduce state-of-the-art technology into the airport security process. Enhanced screening updates now allow customers to keep personal items in their hand luggage, a feature that has been rolled out across most UK major airports.

As previously mentioned, the new transport hub, officially unveiled in July 2025, has been a major feat. Alongside the multi-story carpark, the airport has introduced a new ‘drop and go’ zone, offering better pedestrian links to the terminal.

Next is the Terminal Transformation, a long-term initiative involving investments in a range of projects over the next five years to completely transform the customer experience. The new departure lounge is just the first of many planned changes.