New faith areas set to be built at airport

New dedicated faith areas at an airport are set to be built, eight months after it opened a controversial multi-faith space.

Critics said Bristol Airport's facility, a mile away from the terminal, looked similar to a bus stop and queried its position in a car park.

An airport spokesperson confirmed they had consulted with chaplains for the design of future permanent facilities.

Afzal Shah, a member of the Muslim community, said he would not use the current area and hoped the airport will "implement feedback from users".

The multi-faith area sparked an online backlash after the airport announced its opening on social media in November.

Thousands of people from across the world commented on the post, with many saying it resembled a bus stop or smoking shelter.

Mr Shah, who is a former Bristol City Council councillor, said: "We often talk of Bristol as this diverse place and how to make it as accessible as possible, and I do wonder what consultation was taken to get this area in place.

"The whole design process for an airport and other transport hubs should make sure it acknowledges its users.

"Why did the airport even think this area was necessary?" he said. "If anyone's been down there to see it, they can come to their own conclusions."

Peter Bill, a member of the Progressive Jewish Community, said the idea of the multi-faith area could have been "better thought through".

"The sentiment and original thought it a very positive one, but if you're going to do it, you have to accept it's got to be appropriate.

"How much is it actually used? Why did the airport think this area was a requirement?"

Bristol Airport said the space has been "welcomed by users".

An airport spokesperson said: "The multi-faith space has been created for customers to use whilst at the airport waiting for family and friends in the free waiting zone car park, situated one mile away from the terminal.

"We’ve experienced an increase in customers requiring a multi-faith area in this location.

"This space was provided after consultation with users of the car park to provide immediate shelter and dignity prior to winter.

"We have surveyed users since the implementation, and the feedback has been positive."

Airport bosses have consulted with other airport chaplains, and local community representatives about the "creation of a design brief for future permanent facilities".

"For customers going on holiday, we have a multi-faith quiet area in the Departure Lounge of the terminal (situated between the central walkway and gates 32-34 on the first floor) and we are introducing other dedicated areas across the site," the spokesperson added.

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