Bristol International Airport (BRS)

Introduction

Bristol International Airport, is the commercial airport serving the city of Bristol and the surrounding area. Approximately 5.25 million passengers are handled by Bristol International Airport every year. Located 8 miles (13 kilometres) south of Bristol city centre, Bristol International Airport estimates that by 2030 passenger figures could increase to around 12 million per annum.

Facilities and Services

Bristol International Airport can offer its passengers flights to several scheduled and seasonal chartered destinations, including domestic, European and transatlantic ones.
Bristol International Airport’s terminal provides passengers with a departure lounge containing a fair range of retail and catering outlets. Bristol International Airport also has currency exchange facilities, car hire representatives and information desks to meet arriving passengers needs.
Bristol International Airport has two exclusive Business Lounges. Open to both business and leisure passengers, for a small fee passengers can enjoy business facilities such as fax; photocopying and Internet access. Passengers can also take advantage of complimentary drinks and snacks in a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Getting To The Airport

By road – FROM SOUTH: Take the M5, exit at junction 22 and take the A38 north towards Bristol. FROM NORTH : Take the M5, exit at junction 18 and take the A4 towards Bristol. Then take the A38 towards Taunton.
By rail - the nearest station to Bristol International Airport is Bristol Temple Meads. The Bristol International Flyer Express coach service connects travellers to the airport every 15 minutes at peak times.
By bus/coach - National Express coach services operate long distance coach services from destinations all over the UK to Bristol Bus Station where passengers can connect to the Bristol International Flyer Express. National Express’s London to Penzance overnight service 404/406 now stops at Bristol International Airport. It stops outside the terminal each night at 02:15 and 02:30 each day. From Weston-super-Mare, First runs an hourly bus service, 121 (daytime only Mon – Sat) to Bristol International Airport, calling at various local stops along the way. On Sundays and Bank Holidays, service 821, a two hourly service runs between 09.00 and 17.00.

Parking at the Airport

There are a variety of parking options available at Bristol International Airport.
Silver Zone Car Park
On-airport, check-in your car and keys for rapid transfer to the terminal by a 24 hour courtesy bus to the terminal. The journey time is approximately 4-5 minutes.
Long Stay Car Park
On-airport, park your own car and transfer to the terminal by a 24 hour courtesy bus to the terminal. The journey time is approximately 3-4 minutes.
Premier Car Park
Ideal parking for travellers who require greater speed and convenience. The car park is located closer to the terminal, just a 3-4 minute walk away.
Short Stay Car Park
Conveniently located on-site at the airport, just a short walk from the terminal, this car park is ideal for those staying up to 24 hours.
Rapid Pick Up Car Park
Collecting friends and family could not be easier with the new and extended Rapid Pick Up Car Park. Located adjacent to the terminal and with a covered walkway linking the car park and terminal, this car park is convenient and safe. Just follows the signs for the Rapid Pick Up Car Park.

Alternatively a nearby off-airport parking facility offers a Park & Ride service or a Meet & Greet service to meet all your parking needs. In order to make a booking to secure a space at any of these car parks via carparkinguk.co.uk.

History of Bristol Airport

In 1927, a flying club at Filton Aerodrome. By 1929 the club had become a success and it was decided that a farm located in Whitchurch near Bristol would be developed into an airport. In 1930, Bristol Airport opened. Passenger numbers increased from 935 in 1930 to over 4,000 in 1939.

During World War II, Bristol Airport was the only civil airport still in operation in the UK. All flights bound for London were terminated at Bristol. The newly formed British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) were sent to Bristol from Croydon and Gatwick Airports. They operated on routes to Portugal and to some other neutral nations. Whitchurch continued to be used post war, but the introduction of heavier airliners made a runway extension highly desirable. However, this was very difficult, because of the proximity of the surrounding housing estates.

Consequently, a decision was taken to develop a new airport at Lulsgate Bottom Airfield near Redhill. The new airport was called Bristol Lulsgate Airport and was opened in 1957. In its first year 33,000 people used the airport. In 1963 the runway was lengthened and in 1965 extensions were made to the terminal. In 1968 a new 5,000 square foot (460 m²) building was constructed.

By 1980, 17 charter airlines were operating from the airport. Additions in 1984 included an international departure lounge, duty free shops, a 24-hour air-side bar, an arrivals concourse, and a short-term car park. Over the next few years business boomed with over 100,000 passengers each month in the summer of 1988. In 1997 Bristol Airport was renamed Bristol International Airport. In

March 2000 a new terminal was opened with the capacity to deal with 3.5 million passengers. By 2003 the passenger numbers increased to 3.8 million with many new UK and European routes commencing.