One of the region’s largest public transport interchanges was officially handed over today ahead of programme to Bristol Airport by leading building contractors Griffiths Farrans Joint Venture.

The development will provide more frequent connections for people to travel to and from Bristol Airport by bus and coach.

The £60 million project, part of the Airport’s £400 million transformation programme, enables more sustainable journeys and will see around 250 public transport movements a day.

The two-year build of the Public Transport Interchange (PTI) boosted the local economy providing 120 jobs on site during the peak of the project with over 60 new jobs created, as well as supporting the local supply chain. The concrete supplier was based less than five miles from the Airport and 30% of suppliers came from within a 50-mile radius. The project also provided work opportunities for those looking to get into engineering and construction careers, with 15 apprentices and T Level placements from Weston College among those to work on the project.

The Public Transport Interchange was opened today by Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, Sadik Al-Hassan MP and Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport.

The transport interchange, which is located on the top of a new multi-storey car park, boasts 16 bus/coach bays, whereas previously there were five. It means for the first time customers can benefit from a dedicated bay for each service, sheltered bus canopy including a covered Silver Zone bus waiting area, live transport information screens, and there’s now an integrated system online to book onward travel with Great Western Railways. There’s level access to the terminal forecourt via a new covered bridge link.

A record number of people are now using public transport to commute to and from Bristol Airport. The A1 Flyer bus service alone carried more than 1 million passengers in 2024 with a further 300,000 using the A3 Flyer service. Currently there are 135 daily movements on the A1 flyer with a 44% increase in the last year.

Work on the PTI began in May 2023 and has seen more than 100,000 tonnes of stone and material crushed and reused on site and 90% of wood and metal has been recycled. The construction site also enabled the new Volvo EC230 electric excavator, which was the first of its kind in the UK, to be trialled. As part of the construction process quarterly collaboration workshops were held involving Bristol Airport, Griffiths Farrans JV and key supply chain members.

Dave Lees, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport said: “We’re delighted to open the Public Transport Interchange ahead of schedule and on budget transforming our customers’ experience during the busy summer holidays.

“The Public Transport Interchange has provided vital skills and employment for local people and apprentices, and sourced regional suppliers, helping to boost the local economy. Engagement with local schools and charities has also been at the heart of the development.

“And we’re delighted to announce that the A1 and A3 Flyer bus service will be completely electric from 2026. This is all part of our commitment to net zero operations, and by more than doubling the number of bus and coach bays this demonstrates we are committed to encouraging customers to use public transport where possible. The increase of passengers using the Flyer bus service, as well as 20% of staff is a step in the right direction.”

Declan Doherty, Contracts Manager at Farrans, said: “I would like to congratulate our JV team and our client for the collaboration and focus which went into delivering this project ahead of programme during the peak summer travel period for the Airport. We are looking forward to hearing the feedback as customers get to experience the modernised facilities, drop-off and pick up areas on the top tiers of the car park, waiting areas and enhanced accessibility. We utilised modern methods such as offsite construction to reduce our carbon footprint and worked closely with the local community to deliver an impactful social value plan. Farrans specialise in the aviation sector, which often comes with its own unique set of challenges, and we are proud to have added another successful project to this portfolio.”

Simon Dunn, Regional Director of Griffiths and Governor of Weston College, said: “Griffiths is proud to have supported the development of apprentices and T-placement students on this project and to see them grow their careers through meaningful, hands-on experience. Several of our apprentices have progressed significantly during their time on site, gaining exposure to real-world challenges and working alongside experienced teams. It’s exactly the kind of opportunity that helps turn classroom learning into long-term career progression.”

“This has been an exemplary project – proof of what is possible when you establish a collaborative and integrated team from the outset. The partnership between Griffiths, Farrans, Bristol Airport, and our local supply chain has delivered an accelerated programme in a complex, live environment. It builds on more than a decade of continuous collaboration, and we are looking forward to continuing our support as Bristol Airport evolves.”