Farrans has secured a £30m contract to deliver a major terminal extension at Bristol Airport, as part of the airport’s wider £400m improvement programme.
Appointed as main contractor, Farrans – a subsidiary of John Sisk & Son since November 2025 – has begun work on a two-storey extension that will infill the space between the existing terminal building and the departure gates. The scheme is designed to support projected growth to 12 million passengers per year.
The expansion will significantly enhance the airport’s retail and hospitality offer, with 17 additional food and retail units set to almost double the number of shops and restaurants on site. Plans also include new island retail units and expanded seating areas within the terminal.
On the arrivals side, the project will introduce a new domestic baggage reclaim area featuring an additional carousel and a 20% increase in capacity. Accessibility improvements are also planned for the immigration area, with new lifts and staircases to enhance passenger flow and inclusivity.
Farrans is already familiar with the airport environment, having previously completed the £60m public transport interchange in joint venture with Griffiths in July 2025. That project, which accommodates around 250 public transport movements per day, formed part of the airport’s long-term infrastructure strategy.
Bristol Airport’s infrastructure director, Andrew Goodenough, said the airport has ambitious plans to transform the customer experience in the coming years. He confirmed that overall floor space will increase by nearly 45%, with a total of 38 retail and food and beverage outlets planned, including premium brands and a speakeasy-style bar.
Farrans project manager Gerard McNamee said the extension will be delivered within a live operational environment, with passenger routes remaining open throughout the works. Measures such as insulated hoardings and air-locked spaces will be used to maintain passenger flow and safety.
One of the more unusual logistical elements will see the use of a Bailey Bridge to transport vehicles and equipment from landside to airside. At peak, around 150 people are expected to be employed on the project, many sourced from local suppliers.
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