Bournemouth, Motoring & Transport | Posted on November 10th, 2025 | return to news

Major upgrade to Bournemouth Airport

There is now double the number of Border Force passport control desks, and the outbound baggage system has been upgraded.

A new arrivals hall has opened at Bournemouth Airport.

The new facility doubles the number of Border Force passport control desks and triples the available floor space compared to the previous arrivals area, significantly improving the speed and comfort of the arrivals process for passengers.

It forms part of a £17 million package of works being delivered this year. Other projects already completed include doubling check-in desk capacity and a major upgrade to the outbound baggage system.

The final stage of this year’s works is an expanded baggage reclaim hall, featuring new, larger carousels, which is on track for completion this autumn.

The improvements mark the first phase of an ongoing multi-million pound investment in the airport’s facilities to meet growing demand. Future phases include an extended terminal building and a new transport interchange, with improved access for buses, taxis, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Steve Gill, managing director, said: “The new arrivals hall marks another significant step in the transformation of Bournemouth Airport. It demonstrates our ongoing commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and investing in the future. These improvements are already making a tangible difference for our passengers, airlines and staff, creating a more efficient, welcoming and sustainable airport.”

Bournemouth Airport has also invested in a new crew and engineering support accommodation building for Jet2.com, which opened its new base at Bournemouth earlier this year.

Bournemouth Airport serves 48 destinations and welcomed 1.1 million passengers in the year to March, the highest figure on record. The airport directly employs around 450 staff at peak season, with an estimated 1,275 jobs on the airport site, plus an additional 2,355 at the neighbouring Aviation Business Park, making it one of Dorset’s largest employment areas.

A further 230 direct jobs are forecast to be created at the airport through its ongoing investment programme, with hundreds more expected in the wider local economy.