Bristol Airport appoints Farrans to deliver £30m terminal expansion, boosting retail space, arrivals capacity and supporting long term growth to 12 million passengers annually.
Bristol Airport (BRS) has awarded a £30 million contract to Farrans for a two floor terminal extension, forming part of its wider £400 million transformation programme.
The scheme will infill space between the existing terminal and departure gates, supporting growth to 12 million passengers per year. Floor space will increase by almost 45%, with capacity enhancements across retail, food and beverage and arrivals processing.
The extension will introduce 17 new retail and dining units, nearly doubling the airport’s commercial offer to a total of 38 outlets, alongside island retail units and expanded seating areas. The arrivals hall will benefit from a new domestic baggage reclaim facility, including an additional carousel and a 20% increase in reclaim capacity. Immigration accessibility will be enhanced through new lifts and stairways.
Farrans previously delivered the £60 million Public Transport Interchange at BRS in July 2025, in joint venture with Griffiths, improving sustainable surface access and facilitating around 250 public transport movements daily.
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.”
Construction will utilise a modular Bailey Bridge to transfer vehicles and equipment between landside and airside, minimising operational disruption. At peak delivery, approximately 150 personnel are expected on site, with a focus on local supply chain participation and social value delivery.
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