Bristol Airport experienced a record number of passengers in 2023.
Nearly 9.8 million passengers used the South West's gateway, making it the busiest year in the airport's history.
It recovered faster from the Covid-19 pandemic than any other major UK airport.
This recovery was due in part to the significant demand for travel to reunite with family and friends.
Interestingly, passenger numbers now exceed pre-pandemic levels, with a 10 per cent increase in 2023 compared to 2019.
Late August 2023 marked the busiest day as over 40,000 people travelled through Bristol Airport within 24 hours.
Throughout the year, Bristol Airport served as the primary gateway for South West England and South Wales, connecting to more destinations and serving more passengers than all other airports in these regions combined.
The year 2023 also saw the airport undergo major development with the construction of a £60m Public Transport Interchange and multi-storey car park.
Set for completion in Summer 2025, this project marks the airport's most significant expansion since the terminal's construction twenty years ago.
Graeme Gamble, Chief Operating Officer, Bristol Airport, said: "Last year saw fantastic results as more people than ever saw the benefits of flying from our region’s gateway airport and we welcomed in visitors from all over the UK and Europe.
"Our business partners, airlines, and Bristol Airport have been able to create new jobs, building up our position as the area’s largest private sector employer."
Mr Gamble also mentioned a further ambition to encourage local passengers to use Bristol Airport over London options.
Enhancements for 2024 include new airport lounges, more retail space, and the goal of serving 12 million passengers a year.
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