Campaigners are urging the West of England Mayor, Helen Godwin, to oppose Bristol Airport’s latest expansion plans, which aim to increase passenger capacity to 15 million annually across 100,000 flights. They argue that the airport should first fully complete its current goal of reaching 12 million passengers a year before being allowed to expand further.
The airport submitted its new planning application on March 27, coinciding with a meeting of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) leaders in Bristol. North Somerset, home to the airport, is in the process of joining WECA, making the expansion plans a regional concern.
Tony Jones, spokesperson for the Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN), described the expansion as “very problematic.” He highlighted ongoing issues resulting from the airport’s current expansion efforts, warning that these problems remain unresolved. Jones emphasized that since most WECA council members from Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset oppose further growth, Mayor Godwin should call for a pause on the project.
He urged: “The airport should wait until it reliably reaches 12 million passengers per annum so we can properly assess if local infrastructure, including roads and parking, can manage increased demand.”
BAAN previously challenged the airport’s planning permission for the 12 million passenger expansion in the High Court in 2022 but was unsuccessful. Despite this, the airport has not yet completed that phase and is already seeking approval for further growth.
Jones also raised environmental concerns, noting North Somerset’s vulnerability to flooding and sea level rise from climate change. He argued the airport should postpone expansion until low-emission aircraft become widely available.
While North Somerset Council holds the formal authority to decide on planning applications, its previous rejection of the 12 million passenger expansion was overturned by the planning inspectorate. Mayor Godwin stated she currently does not have direct decision-making power on such applications but stressed that local voices must be heard throughout the process.
She added: “New legislation may soon grant regional mayors more planning authority, including over developments in North Somerset once it joins WECA. I will carefully assess any planning proposals as this evolves.”
Local resident Trisha Woodhead addressed the WECA committee, expressing concern over “very significant tailbacks” caused by the airport on surrounding roads and noting the noise disturbance from night flights.
Campaigners also called for the airport’s expansion to be contingent on completing a proposed mass transit line linking Bristol city centre with the airport. However, Mayor Godwin clarified that the two projects are not currently connected.