The UK’s High Court has dismissed the legal challenge brought against the Planning Inspectorate’s permission for Bristol Airport’s expanded capacity.
The Planning Inspectorate decided in February 2022 to allow Bristol Airport to increase its cap on passengers from 10 million passengers each year to 12 million. The airport’s plans include major investment in the terminal building, parking facilities, and public transport links. This decision was challenged in the High Court but dismissed by the judge who heard the case.
Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport, said: “Bristol Airport welcomes the High Court Judge’s decision to dismiss the claim and uphold the planning permission to increase the airport’s capacity from ten to 12 million passengers per annum.
“The decision is excellent news for our region’s economy, allowing us to create up to 5,000 new jobs, deliver more international destinations for the South West and South Wales, and invest hundreds of millions of pounds improving the customer experience. We will do this while working towards our ambitious target of net zero carbon operations by 2030.”
Expanded capacity will add 800 jobs at Bristol Airport and up to a further 5,000 regionally, adding an estimated £430m to the South West’s economy, the airport said.
Bristol Airport made the fastest recovery from the pandemic of any major UK airport and is anticipating a busy 2023.
Image: Bristol Airport
