Bristol Airport responds after backlash to multi-faith area

Bristol Airport said it had consulted widely and listened to feedback before the installation

An airport has defended its new multi-faith area after online criticism over its appearance.

Bristol Airport posted that it had opened the facility in one of its car parks earlier this week.

The post has attracted hundreds of comments with many questioning its location and others saying it resembles a bus stop or smoking shelter.

The airport said it had consulted widely and listened to feedback before opening the multi-faith area.

It said the facility, located just off the Silver Zone car park roundabout, would provide people with a private space to reflect and pray while waiting to collect loved ones.

One response to the post said it was not private as it was in a busy location and there was no door, and that it looked like a smoking shelter rather than a prayer space and would "no doubt" be used as one.

Others called it an "insult" and an inappropriate space for prayer, with criticisms including: "I thought it was a bus shelter" and "I've never seen something so ridiculous".

Some were more supportive, with one poster saying they loved the idea but that it needed to be in a "dry, secure, welcoming area".

The airport posted a second message on social media following the criticism, saying there was also a multi-faith area in the departure lounge of the terminal building that could be used.