Bournemouth International Airport owners seek planning permission for expansion from BCP Council
EXTENSIVE plans to expand Bournemouth International Airport have touched down amid an anticipated increase in passenger numbers.
The proposed work at the Hurn site would include improvements to baggage handling and car parks as part of a “reconfigured transport interchange”.
BCP Council planners are running a consultation on the plans until 16th August.
A design and access statement stated: “Emphasis is placed on the quality and efficiency of the business and meeting fully the needs of airport customers. The proposed development is important in ensuring this can continue as the business grows.
“(We) have recently been successful in attracting new passenger traffic operators to the airport. Existing operators continue to grow their business at Bournemouth following the recovery from the pandemic.”
The applicant, airport owner Regional and City Airports, said the freight operation “remains a notable strength” and is supporting businesses with import and export operations in the region. It added: “To support this, (we) are seeking to consolidate and enhance the passenger terminal and refocus the freight operation towards the northern part of the airport.”
Council planners were told the development, which would include phased landscaping and other associated work, is needed by early 2026 ahead of the holiday season. They were also told the development proposes no increase in the total number of passengers allowed annually at the airport and no change to the other limitations to operations.
The firm said: “The airport is allowed to handle up to three million passengers per year. Expectations in terms of passenger numbers for 2024 to 2025 are about 1.1 million. This is forecast to increase to about 1.5 to 1.55 million in 2025 to 26, and then about 1.7 to 1.75 million in 2026 to 27 as the new operators become established.
“The proposed development relates to the more effective accommodation of passenger numbers very significantly lower than what is already permitted at the airport.
“The airport is allowed, without any further planning permissions, to handle far greater numbers of passengers from the existing terminal.
“It is simply intended to provide a better range of facilities in terms of departures, arrivals, security, baggage handling and public transport so that passengers already allowed to travel from Bournemouth have a safe and comfortable passage through the airport.”
The proposal is part of a “larger programme” of improvements to the airport which do not require planning permission. These include new buildings, parking, taxiways, aircraft stands and navigational equipment.
Chief executive of Regional and City Airports, Andrew Bell, said: "This is a major investment in the future of Bournemouth airport, supporting hundreds of jobs and cementing Bournemouth’s position as the flagship airport for the region.
“These new facilities will not only accommodate growing demand but also significantly enhance the travel experience for all our passengers. We are proud to be spearheading this important project, which underscores our commitment to the local economy and community."
