Bristol residents are divided over the airport’s expansion plans
(Image: Getty Images)
Bristol Live readers are divided over proposals for additional long-haul routes from Bristol. While some welcome the employment opportunities and increased travel options, others have raised concerns about noise pollution, traffic congestion and the airport’s management. A number of residents discussed the impact of living beneath the flight path, while others highlighted issues with queuing, seating arrangements and terminal amenities. There were also passionate opinions expressed regarding lengthy journeys to the United States.
Bristol Airport has revealed five cities across the USA and the Middle East that it aspires to serve with direct flights, provided the next phase of its expansion plans receives approval.
In a video uploaded to YouTube and the Bristol Airport website, a map displays five destinations Bristol Airport hopes to connect directly – namely New York, Orlando, Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Earlier this month, Bristol Live reported that the airport had lodged its formal planning application for the subsequent stage of its expansion – encompassing flights to North America and the Middle East.
Presently, 10.8 million passengers use the airport annually, positioning it as the eighth busiest in the nation – and it already possesses permission to enhance its facilities to accommodate up to 12 million passengers per year.
However, unlike a straightforward extension, the latest planning application Bristol Airport has submitted to North Somerset Council comprises nearly 500 documents, with some individual documents spanning hundreds of pages. The proposals include runway and taxiway improvements incorporating changes to approach lights to allow for larger aircraft to connect the region directly with destinations much further afield.
One reader, Cmt44 comments: “Long Haul flights will bring larger, noisier places around the area. Their capacity is greater than short haul, more cars, and passengers. All in all, the people who live under the flight paths around Lulsgate, South Bristol, etc., will find life unbearable.”
Registeredroyalty states: “I am sure that airport workers are prepared for further disappointment after having their hopes falsely raised.”
Othermeinnit writes: “The airport seems to think it owns North Somerset and can do whatever it wants. The council need to tell them where to go, so to speak.”
Moneymaid says: “I live under the flight path and, being honest, don’t even notice arriving or departing aircraft! It does bring many jobs to North Somerset, and the council should be very happy about it”
Dbanderson adds: “Well, it won’t have the Concorde Lounge, so I won’t use it for my USA or Japan trips.”
Bristol_Girl writes: “Certainly looking forward to sitting on the floor at the airport for two hours ahead of my flight, as well as paying for a trolley to assist me with my baggage – I do love our shed on the hill.”
Mygetupandgomustofgotupandwent says: “If you’re planning to go to New York, don’t go for any longer than 5 days. I used to live there, great to go for a few days and see the sites, but in reality, it is a horrible place full of angry people who can’t speak a sentence without dropping f-bombs. Everywhere in Manhattan stinks of rotten Garage and wee.”
Phil McAvity comments: “It’s the same in any airport if it’s busy. Are you basing this on experience or just what you’ve read in here, as this has never happened to me.”
Would you welcome more international long-haul flights to Bristol Airport? Comments below or HERE to have your say.