25th June 2009

Expansion of Brisol Airport may affect Cardiff.  

Cardiff Airport may lose customers if Bristol International Airport expands, according to a travel expert.

Martin Evans, from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, told Wales Online that the Welsh Assembly should do more to get passengers using the Welsh travel hub.

His comments come after Bristol International Airport submitted plans to expand the travel hub so that it can handle up to 10 million passengers every year by 2016.

Robert Sinclair, chief executive officer at the south-west airport, commented that the developers had listened to the local community's views before submitting the plans.

"It now strikes the right balance between allowing the sustainable development of the airport to meet the long-term demand for air travel to and from this region, while also reducing and mitigating the environmental effects," he said.

The development will include a new public transport interchange, an expansion of the terminal, extra check-in desks and a bigger departure lounge and arrivals area.

Mr Evans commented that Bristol was attracting many of the passengers who would normally travel from Cardiff  because it's increased size meant it had a bigger variety of flights.

This comes after more than 20 hot air balloons were launched from Bristol International Airport's runway as part of the opening celebrations for the city's annual Balloon Fiesta.

Book your Bristol airport parking fees early to be sure of the best choice of car parks available. Off airport car parking tends to be booked first due its cheaper airport car parking prices.