Bristol Airport is planning permanent new faith facilities after consulting with chaplains.
Last November the airport opened a multi-faith area which was ridiculed as looking like a bus stop or a smoking shelter. Among the critics was Fiona Shoop who posted on social media : "It's a lovely idea but badly done, unfortunately - looks like a bus shelter and there's no door which means it will be freezing and wet, not exactly conducive to quiet reflection.”
The facility’s location, in a car park some distance away from the terminal building, was also criticised. However an airport spokesperson said the space has been welcomed by users: "The multi-faith space has been created for customers to use whilst at the airport waiting for family and friends in the free waiting zone car park, situated one mile away from the terminal.
"We’ve experienced an increase in customers requiring a multi-faith area in this location.
"This space was provided after consultation with users of the car park to provide immediate shelter and dignity prior to winter.
"We have surveyed users since the implementation, and the feedback has been positive."
As well as consulting with chaplains, the airport has been in discussion with local community representatives about the design of the new facilities. The spokesperson added that as well as the car park facility there is also a multi-faith quiet area in the Departure Lounge of the terminal and other dedicated areas are being added across the site.