UK’s Bristol Airport is undergoing a major revamp for the first time since it became functional nearly 14 years ago. The airport recently announced it will be undertaking the expansion of its terminal at an investment of estimated 8.6 million GBP.

According to Bristol Airport authorities, the latest expansion will be of a large scale. The airport will see phased development taking place. The airport, which is currently handling 6 million passengers per year, is now aiming to increase its capacity in a big way and looking to expand capacity to handle at least 10 million passengers annually.

With the expansion, the airport is also hoping to bring back direct transatlantic flights from the United States again. The airport officials also indicated that new Middle East routes are also likely to be opened in the future.

Media reports quoting Bristol Airport officials said that the terminal expansion will see a new departure area coming up with a number of shops as well as additional seating capacity to host hundreds of passengers. The new terminal will also have a second executive lounge as well as an outdoor terrace for passengers waiting for boarding their flights. Improved baggage handling will also be part of the latest revamp. This will be done with the extension of the processing area.

The reports said that the revamp is scheduled to start from September 2014. The terminal expansion and other upgrades at the airport would be completed in time for the peak summer holiday season next year.
 
The airport’s announcement of the revamp has come close on the heels following the recent opening of a central walkway at Bristol Airport for easing congestion particularly during the peak travel times.

Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive of Bristol Airport, said that after the expansion of the terminal is complete the airport will make extensive efforts to attract an international airline that will fulfill its desire of bringing back direct flights to the United States. The airport also wants to open several routes to the Middle East countries as well. The latest revamp is being seen as a significant step for Bristol Airport. The airport is eyeing to handle a record number of passengers in 2014.

Leading U.S. carrier Continental Airlines had introduced direct flights to the United States from Bristol about 10 years ago. The flights services were later on scrapped. The airport now again wants to see resumption of direct U.S. flights.