BOSSES at Bristol Airport are calling on the government to support aviation growth across the whole country.

Their appeal comes after the government gave its support to plans for a third runway at Heathrow.

They highlighted that regional airports, such as Bristol – which is expected to serve more than eight million passengers next year including many South Gloucestershire residents – also play an important role in meeting growing demands for air travel.

Chief executive officer at Bristol Airport, Robert Sinclair, said: “Most passengers flying into and out of the UK use airports other than Heathrow.

“The benefits of increased connectivity, inbound tourism and more jobs must be spread across the whole country, not just concentrated in London.

“In particular, The role of major regional airports, like Bristol, must not be overlooked following what has been a South East-focused debate.”

“For many passengers beyond the capital, there is another option in the shape of resurgent airports like Bristol.”

Bristol Airport operates flights to 116 destinations across 30 countries. This year it was this year named by the OAG (Official Airline Guide) as the most punctual in the UK for the second year running, and the tenth most punctual in the world.

“More needs to be done to improve surface access to regional airports which can meet demand closer to where it arises, reducing journey times for travellers and encouraging public transport use in the process,” said Mr Sinclair.

“Simply funnelling passengers from all over the UK into Heathrow is not a comprehensive or sustainable transport strategy.”