Bristol Airport mocked over new "multi-faith area"
Many are calling it a bus stop, or a smoking area
Last updated 23rd Nov 2023
A post from Bristol Airport on X, showing off a new "mutli-faith area" in the car park has been viewed well over a million times in just a few hours, because everyone seems to think it looks like a bus stop, or perhaps a smoking shed.
In the post, the Airport says it has opened the new area in the free waiting zone this week, just off the Silver Zone roundabout.
They add it provides customers, "with a private space to reflect and pray", whilst waiting to collect friends, family or loved ones.
However, at time of writing the post has been seen 1.5 million times - and not for the right reasons.
"You've just stuck a sticker on the smoking area," one person says in the comments.
"You aren't fooling anyone!"
"Are we praying for the bus to turn up?" Asks another, while many people have asked if the account responsible is in fact, a parody.
Famous comedian Dom Joly shares the views of many, writing in a repost, "some call it a multi-faith area, others a bus stop", while the Conservative MP for Torbay in Devon, Kevin Foster says, "it looks just like the sort of place to inspire people to prayer..."
So numerous have the responses been, a spokesperson for the Airport has now released a statement, clarifying the situation.
“The new 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," they say.
"We’ve consulted widely and listened to feedback and designed a new specification for future spaces.
"We’ve experienced an increase in customers requiring a multi faith area in this location.
"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."
The spokesperson adds that another multi-faith area exists inside the terminal in the Departure Lounge, between the Central Walkway and Gates 32-34 on the first floor.
Other dedicated areas are due to appear across the Airport site.