Decision on Bristol Airport's application for year-round slot coordination
Updated 17 August 2023
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The Secretary of State for Transport has approved Bristol Airport’s request to be designated as Level 3 coordinated on a year-round basis. The designation will come into effect from the summer 2024 season.
Airport Coordination Limited (ACL) is approved as the slot coordinator for Bristol Airport.
Analysis of responses
Level 3 coordinated designation
The majority of airlines operating at Bristol Airport supported the airport being designated, stating it would benefit efficiency with terminal and stand capacities currently operating at, or near, capacity during daytime hours.
The local authority supported the designation, feeling it would reduce aircraft delay and therefore emissions, helping Bristol Airport to maintain operations within its environmental targets.
Responses from members of the public were largely against designation, with cited reasons being opposition to airport expansion and environmental concerns.
ACL being appointed as Bristol Airport’s slot coordinator
A majority of airlines supported the appointment of ACL. A substantial number of other responses answered “don’t know”.
Responses from members of the public were against ACL’s appointment, although the opposing reasons supplied were not linked to aspects of coordination.
Level 3 designation
Airport expansion and slot coordination are separate issues. Bristol Airport confirmed that it would be seeking designation whether or not expansion proceeded.
The Level 3 designation is likely to address many of the concerns raised by members of the public as it will give the airport a stronger set of tools to manage its capacity and meet its obligations. Level 3 designation will:
- ensure airport operations remain within set capacity limits
- ensure airport operations remain within environmental obligations, including night flight and noise limits
- not increase the airport’s capacity, as slot coordination is the administrative process for making use of an airport’s capacity
After careful consideration, on balance, the Secretary of State for Transport approved Level 3 designation and ACL’s appointment.