Bristol Airport shifts free parking zone to make way for £1M upgrade
Drivers must use a temporary location near the rental car center until mid-December as refurbishment works begin.
By Benjamin Mahmoud ·
The free waiting zone at Bristol Airport has moved to a neighboring parking area as major construction work begins on the site. The shift removes the one-hour free parking option from its original spot near the car rental center, forcing drivers to adjust their drop-off and pick-up routines immediately.
The airport moved the zone on October 19 to clear space for refurbishment. The project will cost £1 million and includes new electric vehicle charging stations and dedicated bus stops for passenger pickups. The temporary setup will remain in place until December 18.
The new location retains the core features of the original facility, including a pay station, toilets, and litter bins. It remains free for the first 60 minutes. Drivers who stay longer face a charge of £20 for the first two hours and £20 for every additional hour or part thereof. The airport enforces a no-return policy within the first 30 minutes.
Airport officials stated that clear signposts now direct drivers to the new location. They also marked pedestrian and bus links to help travelers navigate the temporary layout. A spokesperson confirmed the relocation dates in a statement, noting the work aims to enhance customer facilities.
A strict no-stopping policy applies across the airport road network during this period. Drivers cannot stop, unload, or park on the red routes or other marked areas, even for brief passenger exchanges. Violators face fines of up to £100. North Somerset Council and police manage the red routes on the A38 and the layby near the airport entrance.
The parking changes occur while the airport seeks public feedback on its £500 million expansion plan. The proposal aims to increase annual passenger capacity to 15 million and add long-haul flights to the US and Middle East by the late 2030s. The current drop-off and pick-up zone charges £8.50 for 10 minutes, a rate higher than all UK airports except Gatwick and Stansted.
The airport website lists the temporary relocation dates and pricing details for travelers planning trips through the end of the year.
Source: Bristol Post
