Bristol Airport History

Bristol Airport is a hub of international travel, not only for South West England, but for the whole of the UK. Bristol Airport saw 5.7 million people come through its gates in 2009. This made it the ninth busiest airport in Britain.

How did Bristol come to be at the forefront of British travel? Here we will look at the important dates that helped to shape the history of Bristol Airport.

Early history

The history of Bristol Airport began in 1927, when a group of businessmen raised £6,000 to buy a plot of land, which they intended to use for a flying club. The flying club became successful, which inspired local officials to decide to build a fully-fledged airport. Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport was opened by King George V in 1930.

The War Years

Unlike all other British airports, during the war, Bristol Airport remained open as a civilian airport. All flights that would usually have arrived in London came to Bristol instead. Other airports around the country were taken over by the Royal Air Force and used for training, and as military bases.

Post-war

Following the war, heavier aircraft were introduced. This made a runway extension highly desirable for Bristol Airport, but because of residential concerns, it would have been difficult to carry out such a plan. As a result, it was decided that a new Bristol Airport should be built. The new airport was called Bristol Lulsgate Airport. It was opened in 1957 by Princess Marina, the duchess of Kent.

1980s

By 1980, there were hundreds of flights operating from the airport. Extensions took place, including a new departure lounge, and the creation of new Bristol Airport parking car parks.

1990s to present day

In March 1997, the airport was renamed Bristol International Airport. In 2010 the airport was re-branded simply Bristol Airport. There are plans for the airport to be extended in coming years.