Optimising Kerbside Operations at Bristol

The challenge

Bristol Airport, a vital hub for regional and international travel, anticipated significant passenger growth, particularly for the Summer 2024 peak season. To maintain a smooth and efficient passenger experience, the airport needed a comprehensive understanding of its terminal kerbside operations. Key challenges included:

• Understanding Peak Demand: Accurately quantifying passenger population and flow at the forecourt during peak periods across various transport modes (public and private).
• Infrastructure Adequacy: Assessing whether existing kerbside layouts, bus stop capacities and passenger waiting areas could handle projected demand without causing congestion or delays.
• Operational Efficiency: Evaluating the performance of key bus services like the Silver Zone and A1 Flyer, including bus frequencies, passenger loading and turnaround times.
• Informed Decision-Making: Gaining data-driven insights to support decisions on potential re-location of bus services (specifically the A1 Flyer) and identifying necessary infrastructure or operational improvements.
• Silver Zone Specifics: Determining the optimal number of buses for the Silver Zone service and assessing if the Silver Zone facility itself could accommodate peak demand for services like car key collection.

Bristol Airport required a robust, evidence-based assessment to proactively address potential bottlenecks and enhance the overall passenger journey to and from the terminal.

The solution

Bristol Airport asked AiQ to conduct a detailed Terminal Kerbside Assessment. AiQ’s approach was multi-faceted, encompassing:

1. Comprehensive Data Gathering and On-Site Surveys: AiQ conducted on-site surveys and meetings to validate existing data and gather new information on passenger movements, transport mode splits, car park usage, pedestrian routes, forecourt configurations and bus operations including PRM accessibility.
2. Stakeholder Engagement: AiQ liaised with internal Bristol Airport teams, including Project, Airport Development and Airport Operations to ensure all relevant perspectives and operational nuances were captured.
3. Demand Modelling: Passenger splits (%) and turn-up profiles for various transport modes were used to generate a detailed demand model for the Summer 2024 peak day scenario, assuming a 100% load factor.
4. Discrete Event Simulation: Using sophisticated simulation software, AiQ modelled the kerbside forecourt operations. This involved:
   • Overlaying the generated passenger demand onto the existing forecourt footprint.
   • Simulating passenger movements at selected Points of Interest (POIs), including bus stops, pedestrian crossings and terminal entry/exit points.
   • Modelling the operation of Silver Zone and A1 Flyer buses, including frequencies, capacities and loading/unloading rates.
   • Assessing vehicle flows and potential queue build-ups for both private and public transport.
5. Scenario Analysis & Reporting: The simulation outputs provided detailed insights into peak hour movements, passenger populations by transport category, queue lengths at bus stops, and vehicle densities. AiQ compiled a comprehensive report with graphical representations, highlighting key findings and actionable recommendations.

A specific focus was placed on the Silver Zone facility, including an assessment of its internal capacity for car key collection during peak periods.

The benefits

AiQ’s thorough assessment and practical recommendations empowered Bristol Airport to proactively optimise its kerbside operations, ensuring readiness for peak season and supporting long-term development plans.

AiQ’s award winning team

Our operational and analytical experts are dedicated to analysing, modelling and optimising every aspect of an airport. Specialising in airport capacity, we are trusted to realise capacity and solve complex operational challenges. For more information about how we can assist you with any of your challenges in 2025 and beyond, contact us today.