Are we praying for the bus to turn up?’ Bristol Airport’s new multi-faith area is mocked on social media as thousands compare it to a bus shelter

Bristol Airport‘s new multi-faith area has been mocked on social media as thousands of people compare it to a bus shelter. 

The airport proudly announced that it had this week opened a new multi-faith area in its free waiting zone for worship, which they said would provide customers ‘with a private space to reflect and pray whilst waiting to collect friends, family or loved ones’. 

However social media users were quick to point out that it looked like a bus shelter, where customers may be seen ‘praying for the bus to turn up’. 

One user said that customers might be ‘waiting a while for God to Arriva’, while another jokingly added, ‘when the Lord said ‘Come to me for shelter’ he didn’t mean one with a timetable stuck on it’.

After the worship space was mercilessly mocked, Bristol Airport retorted that they had ‘consulted widely’ and ‘listened to feedback’ on the new structure which was designed ‘to provide shelter and dignity prior to the winter’. 

After the worship space was mercilessly mocked, Bristol Airport retorted that they had ‘consulted widely’ and ‘listened to feedback’ on the new structure

The grey, cubed space which has two bollards near its entrance has its privacy enhanced by a film to obscure windows, was described as ‘categorically the most depressing thing I have ever seen’ by one user. 

Tory MP for Torbay Kevin Foster said: ‘Yep, it looks like just the sort of place to inspire people to prayer’. 

One user applauded the structure as a ‘shining beacon of Britishness’ adding: ‘I often hear people say they don’t understand what ‘British Culture’ means. 

‘I think we can all agree this is a shining beacon of Britishness: The reflection of a guy in Hi Vis, the bollard placement, the use of a ‘Smoking Shed’ as a ‘Multi faith area’. THIS is Britain’.

Another user suggested that the airport had ‘just stuck a sticker on the smoking area’, adding: ‘You aren’t fooling anyone!’

One user said that customers might be ‘waiting a while for God to Arriva’ after the structure was likened to a bus shelter

Some also pointed out that the multi-faith area, with its signage depicting a figure crouching on their knees in worship, would be a prime target for mischievous vandals

Social media users were quick to point out that the structure looked like a bus shelter, where customers may be seen ‘praying for the bus to turn up’

Another user suggested that the airport had ‘just stuck a sticker on the smoking area’, adding: ‘You aren’t fooling anyone!’

The airport proudly announced that it had this week opened a new multi-faith area in its free waiting zone for worship

Some people jokingly suggested that the space serve multiple functions as both a worship space and smoking area

Tory MP for Torbay Kevin Foster said: ‘Yep, it looks like just the sort of place to inspire people to prayer’

One user suggested the that ‘bus stop’ could be sued by worshippers to summon public transport by ‘praying for the bus’

People also came to the defence of the airport, with one user saying: ‘Take no notice of the idiots

One user applauded the structure as a ‘shining beacon of Britishness’

The grey, squared space which has two bollards near its entrance has its privacy enhanced by a film to obscure windows, was described as ‘categorically the most depressing thing I have ever seen’ by one user

Some also pointed out that the multi-faith area, with its signage depicting a figure crouching on their knees in worship, would be a prime target for mischievous vandals, saying ‘you know exactly how it’s going to get vandalized’. 

Other users wondered if Bristol Airport account was a ‘parody’, over their disbelief that the structure had been built to be utilised as a space for worship.

People also came to the defence of the airport, with one user saying: ‘Take no notice of the idiots. 

‘As long as your flights are on time and your staff treat customers well, everyone’s a winner. Some people just get their kicks through being angry bigots’. 

Following the merciless ridicule of the new worship space, Bristol Airport posted on X: ‘Please note the new multi-faith area was created after we consulted widely, listened to feedback and to provide shelter and dignity prior to the winter. 

‘We also have a multi-faith area in the Departure Lounge of the terminal situated between the Central Walkway and Gates 32-34’.