Southampton Airport’s runway extension officially opened

Local business representatives and senior politicians joined UK Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere, and Southampton Airport’s leadership team on the airfield today to officially mark the opening of the runway extension.

The event marks the end of a project that got underway on April 3 this year to deliver the 164-metre extension to the northern end of Southampton’s runway.

This important £17-million investment will allow the airport to attract more airlines than was previously possible due to the runway’s original length and help deliver new routes and services for the people of Southampton and the wider region.

According to the airport, the runway extension will help deliver improved connectivity and unlock opportunities for business and leisure travel to thrive in the area, while guaranteeing the airport’s viability for the future.

Gordon Parsons, a senior managing director at Macquarie Asset Management, commented: “As a long-term shareholder in AGS Airports, we are proud to have backed this major investment in Southampton Airport’s future.

“The airport plays a vital role in promoting regional connectivity and this extension ensures it will remain a key contributor to the local economy and community.”

Miguel Rodera, Ferrovial Airports’ asset management director for AGS, noted: “At Ferrovial we are committed to strengthening connectivity while promoting economic development.

“The expansion advances our shared goal to increase capacity and positively impact the community and the region – it is a proud moment to see this come to fruition, as well as the benefits it will bring for the UK and the sector.”