Fresh hope for long-haul flights from Bristol Airport

WORK on a multi-million pound extension to Bristol Airport will be completed in time for next summer.

Bosses have announced in the past week an £8.6million project to increase the size of the terminal – the first expansion since the site’s opening in 2000.

Robert Sinclair, the airport’s chief executive, said: “The (newly-opened) central walkway sets a new benchmark for passenger facilities at Bristol Airport and the eastern terminal extension will raise the bar higher again.

“This significant investment demonstrates our ambition to become the airport of choice for passengers across the South West and South Wales.

“High-quality infrastructure will also make Bristol Airport even more attractive to airlines, helping to extend the choice of destinations available – including long haul services to North America and the Middle East in future.”

Rumours are intensifying that Bristol Airport’s main shareholders are looking to sell in a deal which could be worth £250million.

For several weeks there has been talk that Australian asset manager Macquarie Group is looking to offload its 50 per cent stake in the Lulsgate site.

Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, which owns 49 per cent of the remaining shares, has now publicly expressed interest in increasing its stake, paving the way for a possible buyout.

While any potential deal is expected to reach about £250million, it is unlikely to have any major bearings on the day-to-day running of the airport.