Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees to Step Down Amid Major Expansion Push

Bristol Airport has confirmed that its Chief Executive, Dave Lees, is to step down after eight years at the helm. The news comes at a pivotal moment for the airport, following the recent submission of a massive £500 million investment plan aimed at transforming the site into a major international hub.

Under the leadership of Lees, Bristol Airport has navigated the significant challenges of the pandemic while securing a majority stake acquisition by Macquarie Asset Management. His tenure has seen the airport become one of the fastest-growing regional hubs in the UK, recently hitting the milestone of handling over 10 million passengers annually.

A Legacy of Growth and Future Planning

Lees is credited with overseeing the “Public Transport Interchange” and securing the initial planning permission to handle 12 million passengers per year. However, his departure coincides with the launch of the airport’s most ambitious phase yet: the 2040 Masterplan.

The latest planning application, submitted to North Somerset Council just weeks ago, seeks to:

Increase passenger capacity from 12 million to 15 million per year.
Extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft for long-haul flights to North America and the Middle East.
Create upwards of 1,000 new on-site jobs and support 36,000 roles within the regional supply chain.
Deliver a “net zero” airport operation by 2030.

Opposition and Transition

Despite the economic promises, the expansion push faces stiff opposition from the Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) and local campaigners. Critics argue the infrastructure and green belt impact are “irresponsible” and that the expansion is being rushed without adequate sustainable aviation technology in place.

Lees will not be leaving immediately. He is set to remain in his post until a successor is appointed, ensuring a smooth transition through to the end of 2026.

Dave Lees commented on his decision:

“It has been the highlight of my career to lead an amazing, talented and committed team which continues to deliver responsible growth. Together we have delivered significant improvements for our customers, airlines and the community.”

The Board, led by Chairman Jason Holt, has expressed its gratitude for Lees’ “inspired leadership,” noting that he leaves the business in a prime position to build on its recent successes.

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