WORK has finally started on a £17m runway extension project that aims to secure the future of Southampton Airport.
The scheme, which will enable the site to handle larger planes, was approved by Eastleigh Borough Council two years ago after a marathon 36-hour debate.
In May last year the High Court rejected a legal challenge mounted by members of GOESA - Group Opposed to the Expansion of Southampton Airport.
A few months later protesters took their case to the Court of Appeal, which also upheld the council's decision.
The airport saw two million passengers in 2019 but the figure fell to around 200,000 in 2021 in the wake of the Covid crisis and the collapse of budget airline Flybe in 2020.
Supporters of the extension say it will enable the site to attract three million passengers a year and secure 2,000 jobs.
READ MORE: Southampton Airport on course to lose £4.5m - but runway extension will 'make it viable'
A ground-breaking ceremony was held on the airfield on Friday to mark the start of the scheme.
Operations director Steve Szalay and the airport's head of planning and development, Steve Thurston, were joined by Eastleigh MP Paul Holmes and Keith House, leader of Eastleigh council.
The airport says the 164m (538ft) extension to the northern end of the runway will enable it to attract new airlines and offer more routes.
Construction will begin in earnest at the start of next week. The work, which will take place at night to avoid disruption to flights, is due to finish on or around August 17.
READ MORE: Southampton Airport demands more support for airline industry
Mr Szalay said the project would help safeguard the region’s connectivity as well as protect thousands of jobs linked to the site's operations.
A petition called Save Southampton Airport launched ahead of Eastleigh council's decision was signed by more than 3,000 people.
Mr Holmes said: "Expanding the airport is a project with widespread community support, and will bring greater regional connectivity and unlock Eastleigh's economic potential, especially now that Solent Freeport has been announced.
"I have been passionate about seeing this important development through since I was elected, and I am pleased it is finally progressing."
Mr Holmes said the scheme would secure 2,000 jobs, cement Southampton's status as a viable alternative to the main airports in and around London, and help regenerate Eastleigh.
The airport says the extension is "absolutely critical" to its future, but objectors claim people living nearby will suffer more noise and disturbance.
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