Bristol Airport Prepares for Easter Travel Surge
Bristol Airport expects around 150,000 passengers to pass through its terminal during the Easter weekend as many people travel to visit relatives or take short spring breaks. The busiest international routes are forecast to include services to Poland, Spain, Italy and Portugal, while visitors are also expected to arrive to explore the South West of England and nearby South Wales during the holiday period.
Domestic travel will also remain in demand, with flights to Dublin, Edinburgh and Glasgow among the most frequently chosen routes for the long weekend. Other UK connections such as Belfast and Newcastle are also expected to see steady traffic. Some travellers are still heading to the mountains, with late-season ski trips to Geneva, Innsbruck and Verona continuing alongside spring holidays in southern Europe.
Across the wider holiday period between 27 March and 19 April, the airport expects approximately 725,000 passengers. Investment continues as part of a £400 million modernisation programme designed to increase capacity by around 20%. The redesigned departure lounge will offer more seating, a wider choice of shops and larger assisted travel areas. Upgrades are also planned for arrivals, including an expanded baggage reclaim zone and improved step-free access to make moving through the airport easier.
Popular Easter routes
- Palma
- Alicante
- Malaga
- Faro
- Tenerife
- Amsterdam
- Geneva
- Innsbruck
- Verona
Security screening has changed, with passengers now able to carry liquids up to two litres and keep electronic devices inside cabin bags during checks. Travellers are encouraged to organise their belongings before reaching the control point and allow additional time if travelling with pushchairs, mobility aids or medical equipment. These changes are designed to reduce waiting times at security when passenger numbers are higher, particularly during the Easter travel period when airports are traditionally busier.