Bournemouth Airport welcomes approval for terminal expansion

The scheme is part of a phased and ongoing £50m investment by the airport and is expected to create at least 230 direct jobs and hundreds more in the local economy.

The plans will see the existing arrivals and departures buildings extended and joined together into a single, modernised terminal, with enhanced baggage, security, and passenger facilities delivered in phases.

Also included is a new, reconfigured transport interchange with improved access for buses, taxis, cyclists, and pedestrians.

The airport will provide £500,000 towards a new regular bus service connecting the local area and £60,000 for a staff travel scheme to encourage sustainable and active travel. There will also be shared electric Beryl bicycles and scooters.

The plans were approved 8-1 by BCP Council’s eastern planning committee at a meeting today following a recommendation to grant permission by planning officers.

Steve Gill, Managing Director of Bournemouth Airport, said: “This decision ensures Bournemouth Airport can continue to serve as a vital regional asset, creating jobs, supporting businesses, and delivering connectivity for the future. It allows us to invest in the facilities, services, and infrastructure needed to support growth sustainably, while providing a first-class experience for passengers.”

Bournemouth Airport currently employs around 450 staff and serves 48 destinations. This year it welcomed Jet2.com and Jet2Holidays, which established its 12th UK base at Bournemouth. In the year to March the airport saw 1.1m passengers, a record. It has approval for up to three million passengers annually under permissions granted in 2007 and 2010.

The airport is one of the largest employment sites in Dorset. It includes the neighbouring 200-acre Aviation Business Park which is home to some 200 businesses supporting more than 4,000 local jobs.