Having grown up in Barcelona, where underused airports became symbols of economic missteps during Spain’s financial crisis, I approached Bristol Airport’s newly opened £60 million transport hub with a healthy dose of skepticism.
Unlike the ghost airports of my childhood, Bristol Airport is bustling—England’s third largest regional airport, hosting a record-breaking 10 million passengers last year alone. Ambitious plans are already underway to expand capacity to 15 million passengers annually, following a successful High Court battle to increase flights to 12 million passengers per year.
As a regular traveler between Bristol and Barcelona who has used various modes of transport to reach the airport, I was keen to see if the new transport interchange would enhance the journey.
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The airport describes the interchange as a step toward a “smoother arrival and departure” with features like level access to the terminal. While the level access is welcome, it hardly feels like progress since those needing easier access—like elderly or mobility-impaired passengers—likely already used the express drop-off zone that was previously level.
The interchange itself is visually striking and conveniently houses a large new M&S store, but these aesthetic improvements didn’t translate into a faster or more comfortable experience for me. In fact, the new layout required a longer walk, adding unnecessary time to my trip.
Over the years, I have arrived at Bristol Airport by driving and parking, friends’ lifts, taxis, and most recently, the Airport Flyer bus. Previously, the Flyer dropped passengers right outside the terminal; now, it stops at the interchange requiring a crossing over a pedestrian bridge, adding another step to the journey.
Some will appreciate the upgrade, especially as part of the airport’s extensive £400 million transformation program, but for me, it failed to deliver meaningful benefits. As a single parent traveling with a toddler, I would have much preferred investment in family-friendly amenities—a soft play area or a kids’ room—that would genuinely improve the travel experience.
For now, we have a grand new transport hub, privately funded so at least no public money was spent, but it’s hard not to feel that the airport’s priorities might be out of sync with the needs of many passengers.