The controversial and long-contested runway extension at Southampton Airport has drawn a decisive conclusion as it is in use now. Not with much of media hype and noise, the first flight on the Runway was from Eastern Airways taking off for Paris Orly.
It was almost eight years now, as the airport wanted the longer runway for larger planes, aimed at sunshine holiday routes.The first take-off from Southampton Airport’s runway extension marks the ‘unlocking of potential’ in the area, according to Eastleigh's MP.
Scheduled for an official opening on September 21, the extended 164 metres on the Runway will now allow the airport the capacity to handle traditional short-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, which would previously have struggled to take off when fully loaded.
Speaking on the flight leaving from the extension, Paul Holmes said:
“I have long campaigned to get the extension through and I think it’s fantastic that after the plans being granted, the airport has gone on and done it so quickly.
“The fact that it will be extended will unlock prosperity for the area, will put Southampton on the map, and will provide more jobs. “It’s fantastic news and will unlock potential for the area that’s been held back for far too long.
“There’s going to be a lot more airlines and destinations coming into Southampton now. " “I genuinely believe up to 2,000 jobs will be created from this, which is a great thing."
The first flight followed the completion of the long-awaited construction phase of the £17m plans on Tuesday, which will allow larger planes to land at the airport.
Here, undoubtedly, larger aircraft means more passengers, especially as the airport will now be in the plans of Jet2, easyJet and Ryanair, for their longer routes. To date, air traffic was restricted to smaller Embraer turbofans and other turboprops.
Steve Szalay , operations director at Southampton Airport, said:
“I am proud to say the programme of works to extend the airport’s runway by 164 meters was completed on time and under budget. “I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work and dedication.
“The completion of the runway extension is an important milestone and will ensure Southampton Airport’s vital connectivity continues to deliver social and economic prosperity for the wider region.”
The work at the airport in Eastleigh has been surrounded by much controversy and legal battles. The use of larger aircraft was one of the prime reasons of the fierce opposition to the extension, especially as it also involved the creation of 600 new car parking spaces for the expected boost in growth of passengers.
Runway extension Proposals were eventually approved by Eastleigh Borough Council two years ago after a marathon 36-hour debate. But protests against the plans did not end there.
In the year 2022, the High Court rejected a legal challenge pressed by the members of GOESA - Group Opposed to the Expansion of Southampton Airport. The case was then taken to the Court of Appeal by protestors, but the court upheld the council's decision and the construction began on April 2023.
Keith House, leader of Eastleigh Borough Council, described the extension as a ‘boost’, he said ,
“Southampton International Airport has worked hard to get their short start-up strip installed and up and running.“Eastleigh Borough Council very much supports the role our airport plays supporting our regional economy.
“Securing the future of the airport and new routes will be a real boost for south Hampshire and beyond.”
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