BOURNEMOUTH Airport has come up among the best airports in the UK in an annual survey by Which?. 

The Hurn-based airport has landed sixth in the nationwide table from a survey of 7,000 responses who rated their recent airport experiences. 

Overall, it scored a 72 per cent satisfaction rating, placing it three points behind its neighbouring airport in Southampton. 

Its staff received a five-out-of-five rating from holidaymakers and four for its security queues and seating. 

However, Bournemouth Airport didn’t score as highly for its range of shops, bars and restaurants having achieved just one star. 

The terminal – which has a planning application to expand at a future date – has a WHSmith, a pub called The Navigator and duty-free selling Creed, Charlotte Tilbury and Jo Malone London. 

Bournemouth Airport is owned by Regional and City Airports, which also saw its airports in Norwich and Exeter join Bournemouth in the top 10. 

Andrew Bell, chief executive of Regional & City Airports, said: “We are incredibly proud to see three of our airports recognised as amongst the best in the UK for customer experience by Which?.  

“These accolades are a testament to the dedication of our entire team, who work tirelessly to ensure that every passenger in every location has a smooth and enjoyable journey. 

“Being acknowledged by our passengers, who have firsthand experience of our services, is particularly rewarding and reinforces our commitment to delivering excellence.  

“This recognition, along with our continued growth and new flights, highlights the significant strides we are making in both passenger satisfaction and regional connectivity." 

(Image: Stephen Bath)

Bournemouth Airport seems to be taking off lately: Jet2’s announcement earlier this year that it was going to base two aircraft there is expected to boost passenger numbers to record highs. 

The Leeds-based budget airline and package holiday provider will fly to 16 regular destinations from next spring and, for a Bournemouth Airport first, Vienna and Prague in the winter. 

And bosses are in the process of getting permission to expand the terminal along with new buildings, and changes to car parking, taxiways, aircraft stands, immigration and baggage facilities. 

Bournemouth Airport is aiming to carry out these works ahead of summer 2026.