BOURNEMOUTH Airport has been given the green light to make £50million worth of upgrades and extensions.
The UK regional airport has gained permission from the council for a major upgrade that will see the creation of an extended terminal and a new transport interchange.
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Upgrades to the airport will be made in phases and were approved by the BCP Council today.
The improvements include the creation of a single extended terminal and a new transport hub to accommodate three million passengers a year – in 2024 it welcomed one million.
During phase one, there will be three extensions made, including one for a permanent baggage claim attached to the south side of departures.
It will also include a small extension to the departures lounge, and one at the front of the arrivals building.
The second phase will see an infill extension joining the departures and arrivals buildings to make one large terminal.
There will also be enhanced baggage, security, and passenger facilities.
Plus, a reconfigured transport interchange will also give better access for buses, taxis, cyclists, and pedestrians.
The airport itself will provide £511,000 towards a new bus service that will provide links to the local area.
It will also invest £60,000 for a staff travel scheme to encourage sustainable and active travel to and from work.
Shared electric Beryl bicycles and scooters will also be introduced around the airport for passengers to use.
Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said the approved upgrades “allows us to invest in the facilities, services, and infrastructure needed to support growth sustainably, while providing a first-class experience for passengers”.
Bournemouth isn’t the only regional airport getting a new look, Bristol Airport recently revealed its upcoming upgrades .
The airport’s plans suggest that it aims to transform travel into and out of the region over the next five to 15 years.
Proposals include serving more destinations including new long-haul flights to and from the east coast of America and the Middle East.
Proposals also include raising the number of flights from 85,990 per year to 100,000 which would mean an additional 35 flights per day during peak season.
The airport is also working to introduce an upgraded entrance with more parking and a walkway so passengers would no longer have to get a bus out to the planes.
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