Bristol Airport has awarded Belfast-headquartered Farrans the contract to deliver a £30 million expansion of its terminal facilities. The project is a key component of the airport's ongoing £400 million investment programme aimed at enhancing site-wide infrastructure and supporting a throughput of 12 million passengers per year.

Construction has commenced on the two-storey extension, which will infill the area between the existing terminal and the departure gates. The project will increase floor space by nearly 45%, providing room for 17 new units and bringing the total number of retail and food and beverage outlets to 38. The layout has been designed with a focus on passenger comfort, incorporating additional seating and island retail units.

Further improvements include a 20% increase in arrivals capacity through a new domestic baggage reclaim area and an additional carousel. Accessibility within the immigration area will also be upgraded with the installation of new stairs and lifts.

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This appointment follows Farrans' successful delivery of the airport's £60 million Public Transport Interchange in July 2025, which was completed on time and on budget.

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."

McNamee added: "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."