Airport seeks partners for departure lounge units
Bristol Airport has announced plans to open 10 new food and drink outlets in its departure lounge, including a speakeasy bar, as part of its terminal transformation programme. The transport hub is now inviting businesses to put forward proposals through a formal tendering process, with the airport seeking operators capable of delivering "standout concepts" that appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
The new units will be located in high-visibility areas with strong passenger footfall, according to the airport. The tender will be conducted in two stages, with interested partners asked to submit stage 1 requirements via the airport's e-tendering system, In-Tend, by midday on Tuesday, September 1.
Opportunity to join vibrant departure lounge
Kate Gwyther, head of retail at Bristol Airport, said the airport looked forward to receiving proposals from "passionate and innovative businesses" ready to bring fresh culinary concepts and dynamic hospitality experiences to the terminal.
"With 10.8 million customers a year passing through our doors, this is a great opportunity to become part of the airport's vibrant departure lounge," she said. "We are keen to hear from businesses who can offer customers something special."
Part of £400m transformation
The tender is part of a wider £400m transformation scheme at Bristol Airport, which has already included the opening of a new transport interchange last year. The terminal upgrade aims to enhance the passenger experience and expand the airport's commercial offering ahead of further growth.
The announcement comes as Bristol Airport sets its sights on increasing its annual passenger capacity from 12 million to 15 million. In early 2025, the airport submitted a planning application to North Somerset Council to secure approval for the expansion, which would also support new routes and more long-haul destinations.
Support and opposition
The expansion plans have attracted both support and criticism. According to a YouGov poll, hundreds of people in the West of England back the proposals, but local residents and environmental campaigners have raised concerns about increased carbon emissions, noise, and potential congestion on roads near the airport.
Business leaders in the region, meanwhile, have voiced strong support, describing the airport as playing a "critical role" in the regional economy. They argue that expansion would create jobs, boost trade, and improve connectivity for businesses and tourists alike.
Previous expansion battle won
Bristol Airport has already secured one major expansion victory. In 2022, it was granted permission to grow from 10 million to 12 million passengers per year, after a High Court judge dismissed a legal challenge against the plans. That decision paved the way for the current transformation programme.
Passenger numbers have also recovered strongly from the pandemic. Around 1.6 million journeys were made via Bristol Airport in 2025, a figure higher than before Covid-19 travel restrictions were introduced. The airport expects demand to continue rising, further reinforcing the case for additional capacity and improved facilities.
Next steps for interested businesses
Businesses interested in operating one of the new outlets are encouraged to submit their stage 1 proposals through the In-Tend system ahead of the September 1 deadline. The airport has not yet disclosed a timeline for when the outlets will open, but the tendering process is expected to move quickly once applications are reviewed.
The move is part of a broader trend across UK airports to diversify food and beverage offerings, with many carriers and terminals partnering with independent brands and experiential concepts to stand out in a competitive market. Bristol Airport's decision to include a speakeasy bar reflects this shift towards premium and unique traveller experiences.
Local authorities and community groups will continue to monitor the airport's expansion plans closely, with public consultations expected as part of the planning application process. The airport has said it remains committed to balancing growth with environmental responsibilities, though details of specific mitigation measures have yet to be outlined.
