Bristol Airport undergoes major redevelopment of departure lounge

A major redevelopment project to improve the airside departure lounge at Bristol Airport (BRS) is due to commence today (24 January 2021). The three-month project, which will include an overall investment of £2.6 million and create dozens of new jobs, is expected to be completed in time for the Easter holiday getaway.

The significant investment will enhance the shopping and dining experience for customers before boarding their flights, as well as enhanced facilities to the retail and eateries in the departure lounge, improvements will also be made to the design of the retail units to provide a smoother and easier shopping experience.

The improvements to the retail facilities will see WHSmith expand its current unit to incorporate their technology brand InMotion. Acquired by WHSmith in 2018, and following the introduction of the brand across UK airports, InMotion is now the largest airport-based technology retailer in the world. The opening of the store at Bristol Airport will bring a unique shopping experience to customers and will include a wide range of mobile accessories, the most advanced electronics including noise-cancelling and wireless headphones, speakers, tablets, digital action cameras, fitness trackers, and portable power.

As part of the development, SSP UK & Ireland, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations, will be operating a range of units to cater for passengers at the airport. This includes a new Tortilla, an award-winning Mexican restaurant, where customers will be able to experience dishes including burritos, tacos, quesadillas, salads, and vegetarian dishes. SSP will also be relaunching the airside bar with a new exciting and vibrant brand that will reflect the heritage of the region, and they will be upgrading their Cabin bar and Ritazza coffee shop.

The airport’s fashion sports retailer, JD Sports, will also be upgrading and relocating its premises to a much larger unit in the departure lounge offering a wider range of sports clothing, footwear, and accessories.

The enhancements will also see global Foreign Exchange operator, Global Exchange Group launch operations at the airport.

Tom Hack, Head of Commercial at Bristol Airport commented: “This is an exciting project and opportunity for Bristol Airport and its customer facilities. The £2.6million investment in the enhancements of the commercial amenities shows a very clear sign of the confidence our commercial partners have in Bristol Airport and vice versa. The re-developments will create dozens of new jobs to the local area as the airport sees a continued passenger growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our customers’ holidays start in our departure lounge, and it is very important for us to provide them with the best possible experience. We understand that our leisure and business customers have high expectations when travelling through Bristol Airport and we will continue to strive to meet their requirements.

“We are very confident that the investment and redevelopment in our departure lounge will provide a greater passenger experience as we offer new places to shop, eat, drink, and relax before you fly.”