An ambitious £50 million plan to expand an airport in a popular seaside town has been approved by the councillors. The proposal which aims to increase the passenger numbers at Bournemouth Airport will also work on improving the surrounding transport infrastructure.
The major enhancement will see an extended terminal and new transport interchange. According to the airport, the new buildings were designed to “blend seamlessly” on the current site. While submitting its application to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, the airport said it currently “cannot accommodate the facilities required to provide an excellent passenger experience”.
The committee was told the airport currently has permission to accommodate three million passengers a year. Last year it said it expected to serve about a third of that.
Committee member Lawrence Williams said passing the plan was a “no brainer” and that people would travel to other airports if it was not approved.
Steve Gill, managing director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “This decision ensures Bournemouth Airport can continue to serve as a vital regional asset, creating jobs, supporting businesses, and delivering connectivity for the future. It allows us to invest in the facilities, services, and infrastructure needed to support growth sustainably, while providing a first-class experience for passengers.”
According to the airport authorities, the development is expected to generate at least 230 direct jobs and indirectly create many more across the region.
Central to the plans is the expansion and integration of the current arrivals and departures buildings into a single, state-of-the-art terminal, featuring upgraded baggage handling, security systems, and passenger amenities.
Enhancing connectivity, the scheme also includes a redesigned transport interchange to improve access for buses, taxis, cyclists, and pedestrians
To support sustainable travel, the airport is contributing £500,000 towards a new local bus service and £60,000 for a staff travel initiative, alongside introducing shared electric Beryl bikes and scooters to encourage greener commuting options.
The work also includes significant improvements to transport infrastructure. A redesigned transport interchange will improve access for buses, taxis, and cyclists.
The airport will pay £500,000 for a new regular bus service.
