News Release (18/12/12)
Bristol Airport is preparing for a busy period in the run up to Christmas, with over 56,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal over the course of four days from Friday 21 December.
As well as those heading for sunnier climes or visiting friends and family overseas for the festive season, December also sees the start of the ski season. Thousands of seats are available on flights to Austria, Bulgaria, France, Italy and Switzerland, including Helvetic Airways service to Zurich on which ski equipment can be carried free of charge.
The Canary Islands remains the most popular destination for winter sun, while shoppers looking for last minute inspiration can head for New York via Dublin with Aer Lingus. Passengers flying to the Big Apple via Dublin are able to pre-clear US customs and immigration, saving time once they arrive in America.
But it is not all one-way traffic. Bristol Airport is also expecting an influx of visitors from overseas, with many travellers returning home or visiting friends and family in the region for the Christmas and New Year holiday.
However, the start of the Christmas festivities will be delayed for some dedicated Airport staff. With eleven flights (six arrivals and five departures) operating on Christmas Day, it will be business as usual for many working in customer services, airside safety, the Airport fire department and other essential areas. Flights on Christmas Day will be operating between destinations as varied as Paris, Amsterdam, Sharm el Sheikh and the Canary Islands.
Shaun Browne, Aviation Director at Bristol Airport, said:
“December is always a busy month, with people taking advantage of the holidays to have a well-earned break or the opportunity to get together with friends and family. Winter sun destinations are also proving popular as passengers across the South West and Wales wish to get away from the winter weather.”
Once at the Airport, passengers can relax and enjoy festive themed seasonal drinks in the terminal’s cafés and restaurants, including toffee, nut and praline coffees. Santa will also be seen in the terminal ahead of his busy schedule on the 24th, and young flyers can receive a signed letter from Santa and a small present. In addition, a choir consisting of members of the retail and catering teams in the terminal will be entertaining passengers with renditions of carols and other seasonal favourites.
Passengers are advised to allow sufficient time to get to the Airport and complete essential processes such as check-in, security and boarding, as well as factoring in the extra volume of traffic on the roads when planning journeys.