Bristol Airport 'must do better' over multi-faith area

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

Bristol Airport has been criticised by members of the Muslim community for its controversial multi-faith area.

The international airport posted that it had opened the facility in one of its car parks last week.

Afzal Shah, a former Bristol City Councillor, told the BBC he "would expect better from Bristol Airport".

The airport said it consulted with users of the car park ahead of introducing the new faith facility, which it said had been "welcomed".

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

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

The facility is for customers to use while at the airport in the free waiting zone car park, one mile away from the terminal.

The airport said it has experienced a rise in customers needing a space to pray and reflect in this location, and added there is another dedicated multi-faith space inside the main terminal.

Afzal Shah said he "expects better" from Bristol Airport

Afzal Shah told the BBC: "Bristol Airport, with all its resources, could have done a better job.

"But I will say Bristol Airport will take this opportunity. I see this as an opportunity to redesign this and make it accessible for people with disabilities, sensory issues and the elderly.

"Could we really imagine someone in a wheelchair going there, especially in this kind of weather? Absolutely not.

"Somebody said it's akin to a glorified bus stop, and that's a member of staff who works at the airport. So come on Bristol Airport, you can do better."

He added: "Being inclusive really is important. Here we are in 2023 and I would expect better."

Rizwan Ahmed, an Avon and Somerset Constabulary outreach worker, said on social media the new facility is "an example of what happened when you maybe don't consult properly when dealing with inclusivity".

Writing on LinkedIn, he said: "With this one you can see Bristol Airport tried but it looks like things went wrong in the implementation of the project.

"I appreciate budget might have been a consideration but unfortunately the space does look like a bus shelter.

"It would've been ideal to have some protection from the elements. Plus there is nothing but solid concrete underneath. It is not a comfortable environment to reflect from."

'Welcomed by users'

Bristol Airport spokesperson said: "This newly created space was provided after consultation with users of the car park to provide immediate shelter and dignity prior to winter - it has been welcomed by the users.

"We also 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."