Bristol Airport announces an ambitious £60 million investment to transform the Departure Lounge, including new shops, eateries, and a hidden speakeasy bar as part of a larger £400 million plan.

As part of Bristol Airport’s next exciting phase of its £400 million transformation plan, the Airport is set to invest over £60 million to improve customers’ experiences by investing in creating more space and doubling the number of shops and restaurants.

Some 17 new units will be incorporated into the Departure Lounge, including some premium retail brands and dining options as well as a hidden speakeasy bar, and more space for island retail units and more seating.

The assisted travel lounge will also be doubled in size and include tables, so that customers can sit, east and work comfortably. The facility will be located in the heart of the departure lounge and include accessible toilets and changing places facility, which is a much larger washroom with equipment including a hoist, height adjustable changing bench suitable for adults, grab rails, shower and curtain, with plenty of room for carers and wheel chair users.

A baby feeding room and more washrooms will also be added as part of the transformation.

An additional baggage carousel and a new domestic arrivals reclaim area will be added to the arrivals hall, increasing capacity by 20%, and accessibility in immigration will also be improved with new lifts and stairs.

Kate Gwyther, Head of Retail, Bristol Airport, said: “We’re excited about what’s coming. The new departure lounge will be bright and spacious where customers can relax, explore a variety of new shops, and enjoy a wider range of dining options to suit every schedule, taste and budget.

“It’s all designed to make the holiday feel like it starts the moment passengers arrive.”