First planes touch down on Southampton Airport’s newly extended runway, eight years in the making

Work is now complete on a new runway extension hailed as ‘absolutely critical’ to the viability of Southampton Airport.

It comes as part of efforts to accommodate a broader range of airline fleets following the collapse of Flybe, which had previously brought in 89 per cent of the airport’s passengers.

Now measuring an extra 164 metres on its north side, the longer runway will help to futureproof the site and protect thousands of jobs across the South which rely upon its transport links.

It’s also estimated that the extension will generate an additional 2.8 per cent economic growth in the Solent LEP area by 2027.

Steve Thurston, Head of Planning and Development, said: “The runway extension has been handed over and is now open for business.

“It all started in May 2015 with a development strategy for Southampton Airport.

“Eight years of master plan, consultation, design, more consultation, planning, legal challenges, pandemic and one final night shift and we’re there.

“Thanks to a great team who made this happen and colleagues who have moved on at various stages.”

The extension was given the green light by Eastleigh Borough Council back in April 2021 following four extensive public consultations, with backing from Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Solent LEP, Business South and Eastleigh BID.

Revisions through that process included a cap on growth, allowing no more than 3 million passengers to pass through each year, as well as controls on noise pollution and vehicle movement.

Southampton Airport is also staying true to its carbon neutral pledge, having reduced emissions by almost 80 per cent since 2015.

• southamptonairport.com