Bristol Airport and its classification
Bristol Airport is an international airport located in North Somerset, England. It is the ninth busiest airport in the United Kingdom, with over 8 million passengers passing through its gates in 2019. Despite its high passenger traffic, Bristol Airport is often classified as a small airport. In this article, we will examine the factors that determine an airport’s size classification and compare Bristol Airport with other airports in the UK.
Bristol Airport’s passenger traffic and capacity
Bristol Airport’s passenger traffic has been steadily increasing over the years. In 2019, the airport served over 8 million passengers, a significant increase from the 3 million passengers it served in 2000. The airport has a single terminal building with 29 check-in desks and 31 boarding gates. Its capacity is currently capped at 10 million passengers per year, although there have been plans to expand the airport’s facilities to accommodate up to 12 million passengers.
Definition of a small airport vs. a large airport
The classification of an airport as small or large is not based solely on the number of passengers it serves. Small airports are generally those that serve fewer than 10 million passengers per year, while large airports serve more than 10 million passengers per year. However, other factors such as the airport’s facilities, number of runways, and aircraft capacity also play a role in its size classification.
Factors that determine an airport’s size classification
The size of an airport is determined by a combination of factors, including passenger traffic, number of runways, aircraft capacity, and facilities. Passenger traffic is the most significant factor, as it determines the number of flights and destinations served by the airport. The number of runways and their length also plays a role in an airport’s size classification, as it determines the maximum size and number of aircraft that can land and take off. Facilities such as terminal buildings, check-in desks, and boarding gates also contribute to an airport’s size classification.
Bristol Airport’s facilities and services
Bristol Airport has a range of facilities and services to cater to its passengers’ needs. These include shops and restaurants, duty-free stores, and currency exchange services. The airport also has a range of lounges, including a premium lounge, an executive lounge, and a family lounge. Other services include car rental, taxi services, and parking facilities.
Comparison of Bristol Airport with other UK airports
Compared to other airports in the UK, Bristol Airport is relatively small. It is the ninth busiest airport in the UK, behind airports such as London Heathrow, Manchester, and Gatwick. However, it serves a significant number of destinations, with over 120 direct routes to destinations in Europe, Africa, and North America.
Bristol Airport’s runway length and aircraft capacity
Bristol Airport has a single runway, which is 2,011 meters long. The runway can accommodate a range of aircraft, from small regional jets to larger narrow-body aircraft. However, the airport’s runway length limits the size of the aircraft that can land and take off, which in turn limits its capacity.
Significance of Bristol Airport to the region’s economy
Bristol Airport is a significant contributor to the region’s economy. It supports over 11,000 jobs and generates over £1 billion in economic activity each year. The airport is also a gateway for tourism, with many visitors using it as a hub to explore the region’s attractions.
Changes in Bristol Airport’s size classification over time
Bristol Airport has remained classified as a small airport despite its increasing passenger traffic. However, plans to expand the airport’s facilities to accommodate up to 12 million passengers have led some to question whether it will remain classified as a small airport in the future.
Potential impact of Bristol Airport’s size on passengers
The size of an airport can have an impact on passengers’ experiences, particularly in terms of waiting times and queues. However, Bristol Airport’s size has not led to significant delays or disruptions, and the airport has a good reputation for efficiency and customer service.
Conclusion: Bristol Airport’s size and its implications
Bristol Airport is classified as a small airport despite serving over 8 million passengers per year. Its facilities and services are comparable to those of larger airports, but its runway length and aircraft capacity limit its size. However, plans to expand the airport’s facilities could lead to changes in its size classification in the future. Regardless of its classification, Bristol Airport remains a vital gateway for the region’s economy and a hub for tourism and travel.
References: sources for Bristol Airport’s size classification
- Bristol Airport. (2021). About Bristol Airport. Retrieved from
- Civil Aviation Authority. (2020). UK Airport Statistics: 2019 – Annual Report and Data Tables. Retrieved from https://www.caa.co.uk/Data-and-analysis/UK-aviation-market/Airports/Datasets/UK-Airport-Statistics/
- UK Civil Aviation Authority. (2021). Airport Size Categories. Retrieved from https://www.caa.co.uk/Data-and-analysis/UK-aviation-market/Airports/Datasets/UK-Airport-Statistics/Airport-size-categories/
