Southampton Airport Initiates Controversial Runway Extension

VolkerFitzpatrick has started constructing a £17M runway extension project at Southampton Airport (SOU). The project includes extending the runway by 164 meters at the northern end, adding a blast screen to the north of the extension, and increasing the car park capacity by 600 spaces. Eastleigh Borough Council approved the plan in April 2021, saying that the work was essential for the airport's viability.

However, the council's Local Area Committee initially voted against the plan, leading to controversy. The decision was later overturned by the full council vote two weeks later.

Southampton Airport Runway Extension

In April last year, campaigners concerned about the noise and climate impacts of Southampton Airport's £17M runway extension were granted a judicial review. They argued that the council's decision to approve the works was "unlawfully granted" because the green light was given before the secretary of state for Housing, Communities, and Local Government had had time to decide whether to call in the application for a public inquiry.

However, the High Court judge dismissed the case, stating there were no foundations for a hearing.

On March 31, a ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the start of work on the extension, which involves lengthening the runway by 164m at the northern end, installing a blast screen to the north of the wing, and adding 600 new spaces in the car park.

The ceremony was attended by the airport's leadership and senior local politicians. Construction officially began on site this week, with all works scheduled to take place overnight to avoid disrupting flights. The project is expected to be completed in August.

In March, VolkerFitzpatrick held a neighborhood engagement event for residents close to the runway. They were briefed about the construction plans, including working hours and efforts to minimize disruption.

The citizens were given information about a mobile phone app that they could use to ask questions and raise queries.

Executive Insights

According to VolkerFitzpatrick managing director James Hindes, the company is thrilled to expand its relationship with Southampton Airport and future-proof its runway. The airport operations director, Steve Szalay, believes that the £17M extension will significantly invest in the region's economy and help maintain regional connectivity, creating and safeguarding thousands of jobs.

Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes has advocated for the expansion project since he was elected, believing that it will boost Eastleigh's economic potential and secure 2,000 jobs, cementing Southampton Airport's status as a viable regional alternative to major airports around London.

Eastleigh Borough Council leader Keith House emphasized that the short new start-up strip will secure the airport for the future, as the council has a history of recognizing the airport's importance to the regional economy for the past 30 years.

The pandemic and the collapse of Flybe severely impacted Southampton Airport. Before the pandemic, the airport served two million passengers annually, which decreased to only 200,000 in 2021. However, with the extension of the runway, the number of passengers is anticipated to increase to three million.