Bristol Airport pioneers hydrogen refuelling infrastructure to support emerging technology

Bristol Airport has announced the successful development of a liquid hydrogen refuelling project designed to support the introduction of zero‑emission aircraft, in a step that could help position the airport as a hub for hydrogen‑powered aviation in the UK.

image: Ultima Forma

The project, carried out in collaboration with engineering partner Ultima Forma, focuses on the engineering and technical requirements for storing and dispensing liquid hydrogen at the airport.

Bristol Airport said the initiative, funded through its Aviation Carbon Transition (ACT) Programme, represents a significant step towards supporting emerging aircraft technologies that could deliver zero carbon emissions in flight.

Aviation industry efforts to develop hydrogen‑powered flight are underway elsewhere in the UK and globally, with aircraft manufacturers and technology firms working on hydrogen propulsion systems for regional aircraft. Bristol Airport’s project aims to ensure that ground infrastructure keeps pace with these advances, addressing technical challenges such as cryogenic storage and safe refuelling.

While hydrogen‑powered commercial flights are not yet operational, the development of specialised refuelling and storage systems is widely regarded as a prerequisite for the technology’s deployment at scale. Airports and manufacturers have cited infrastructure as one of the main challenges to real‑world adoption of hydrogen aircraft, alongside aircraft certification and safety frameworks.

Bristol Airport said the project will help prepare the facility for hydrogen‑ready operations and provide valuable insights into the industry requirements for future aircraft and regulatory systems.