Bristol Airport Parking: Free Zone Relocated for £1M Upgrade
The temporary move runs until December 18, while the airport installs EV chargers and new bus stops near the rental centre.
By Anthony Shevchenko ·
Bristol Airport is temporarily moving its free waiting zone to make way for refurbishment works. The change affects drivers who use the area near the car rental centre to wait for passengers. The airport stated that the relocation is necessary to improve customer facilities in that specific sector of the site.
The waiting zone, which offers one hour of complimentary parking, is shifting to a neighbouring parking area. This move allows construction crews to begin work on the original site. A spokesperson for the airport confirmed that the relocation is active from October 19 to December 18, 2026.
Drivers who remain in the zone beyond the free 60-minute period face specific charges. Fees stand at £20 for stays between one and two hours. Each additional hour or part thereof costs another £20. The airport also enforces a no-return policy for vehicles that leave within 30 minutes of parking.
The project involves a £1 million investment. Funds will be used to install electric vehicle charging points and construct new bus stops. These stops will allow passengers to board and alight directly outside the waiting zone. The airport claims the changes are designed to enhance the overall experience for travellers.
Signage has been installed to guide drivers to the new location. The airport said it has clearly marked pedestrian and bus links to assist visitors. A strict no-stopping policy remains in effect across the site during this period. Drivers are prohibited from stopping, unloading, or parking on the airport's road networks or red routes, even for brief pickups.
Violations of the no-stopping rules can result in a fine of up to £100. The airport attributes these restrictions to the need for high road safety standards. North Somerset Council and police are responsible for enforcing the red routes on the A38 and the layby near the airport entrance.
The parking move coincides with public feedback on the airport’s £500 million expansion plans. The proposal aims to raise annual passenger numbers to 15 million. It includes launching long-haul flights to the United States and the Middle East by the late 2030s. The airport’s drop-off and pick-up zone currently charges £8.50 for 10 minutes, a rate exceeded only by Gatwick and Stansted.
