To mark the start of the construction process for the project, a ground-breaking event took place on 31 March between the airport's leadership and senior local politicians.
Ahead of the £17m investment in the South's economy, VolkerFitzpatrick's managing director, James Hindes, and key team members, broke ground on the extension site. They were joined on the airfield by the airport’s operations director Steve Szalay and head of planning and development Steve Thurston, as well as Paul Holmes, member of parliament for Eastleigh and Councillor Keith House, leader of Eastleigh Borough Council.
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Approved by Eastleigh Borough Council in April 2021, the 164m extension to the northern end of Southampton’s runway will allow the airport to attract new airlines and offer new routes, creating exciting opportunities for business and leisure, while guaranteeing the airport’s viability.
After close engagement with neighbours and Eastleigh Borough Council, the airport will begin construction of the runway extension from 3 April. These works will take place at night, to avoid any disruption to flight operations, and should be concluded in August.
Mr Hindes said: "We are delighted to be given the opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with Southampton Airport. VolkerFitzpatrick provides a wide range of airport infrastructure works and our experienced project team is looking forward to expanding and future-proofing the runway at Southampton Airport."
Steve Szalay, operations director at Southampton Airport, stated: "I'm delighted to welcome James, Paul and Keith to the airport to mark the start of our runway construction. The extension represents an exciting, £17m investment into the South’s economy, will help safeguard our region’s connectivity, and protect thousands of jobs connected to our operations. I want to thank everyone in the community who supported these plans, which will unlock major economic development in Eastleigh."
