Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Bristol Airport Sets New Summer Records with Over One Million Passengers and Boosts Travel Connectivity
Published on
September 23, 2025
Bristol Airport has achieved a historic milestone, welcoming over 1.2 million passengers in August, marking its busiest month ever. The surge in traffic comes alongside a shift toward more environmentally friendly and quieter aircraft, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainable air travel.
Since June 2025, easyJet has expanded its operations at Bristol Airport by adding an additional Airbus A320 Neo to its local fleet. This upgrade means that over half of easyJet’s aircraft stationed at the airport are now A320 Neos, known for their fuel efficiency and reduced noise footprint. Compared with the previous generation, the A320 Neo consumes around 20% less fuel and is up to 50% quieter, highlighting easyJet’s commitment to modernising its fleet while minimising environmental impact.
Other major airlines operating at Bristol are also investing in advanced aircraft. TUI and Ryanair now deploy the Boeing 737 Max on several routes, with Ryanair further increasing the number of Max aircraft based at the airport. In total, nearly half of the aircraft operating from Bristol are either Airbus A320 Neos or Boeing 737 Max, with more additions expected over the coming years. This fleet modernisation signals a significant step forward in reducing emissions and enhancing passenger comfort.
Dave Lees, Chief Executive at Bristol Airport, said:
“We’re really pleased that millions of people want to fly from their local airport. Not only is it convenient for annual summer holidays and connecting with family and friends, but we’re also offering a wide choice of destinations that appeal.
“As passenger numbers grow, we’ve taken on more staff, and this summer employed a record number with over 5,800 employees working in a range of roles including retail, engineering, operations and sustainability. And 70% of our workforce live within a 20-mile radius and benefit from free staff travel on the A1 and A3 Flyer and the A4 Air Decker.”
Ground transport services also saw record usage during August. The A1 Flyer bus, connecting Bristol Temple Meads to the airport, carried over 109,000 passengers and staff, while the A3 Flyer service from Weston-super-Mare recorded more than 19,000 users. Notably, the A3 Flyer experienced its busiest month to date, with a 30% rise in usage compared to the same period last year. Staff benefit from free travel on the A1, A3, and newly launched A4 Air Decker, all of which now have dedicated bus bays at the recently opened £60 million Public Transport Interchange, enhancing accessibility and convenience.
This summer also introduced new airline services and destinations from Bristol. Pegasus Airlines and Edelweiss launched flights to Istanbul in Turkey and Zurich in Switzerland. EasyJet added new routes to Palermo in Sicily and Almeria in Spain, while Jet2.com launched services to Kalamata in Greece and Ryanair introduced flights to Toulouse in France.
Among the most popular holiday destinations were Palma in Majorca, Alicante and Malaga in Spain, and Faro in Portugal. City breaks to Dublin, Amsterdam, Edinburgh, Barcelona, and Glasgow remained highly sought after, reflecting the diverse travel preferences of passengers flying from Bristol Airport.
Bristol Airport’s record-breaking August, fleet modernisation, and expansion of destinations demonstrate its growing importance as a key UK travel hub. With quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft and improved transport links, the airport is well-positioned to meet the demands of modern travellers while supporting sustainable aviation initiatives.
Bristol Airport’s record-breaking performance in August highlights its rising prominence as a major UK travel hub. With over 1.2 million passengers, a growing fleet of quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft, and expanded transport and route options, the airport is setting new standards for modern air travel. As passenger numbers continue to climb and sustainable aviation initiatives expand, Bristol Airport is poised to combine convenience, connectivity, and environmental responsibility, offering travellers a seamless and greener journey for years to come.
