Southampton Airport bosses have said getting the transport hub back into profit is its "biggest issue".

Gavin Williams, the airport’s managing director, revealed at a meeting that trying to turn a profit was behind a recent hike in pick up and drop off charges.

Mr Williams said the £1 increase is among a number of schemes that will get the airport “back into profit” after making losses since 2019.

MPs in the area have thrown their weight behind the airport - saying it "has the capacity to further grow".

He was speaking at Eastleigh Borough Council's Airport Consultative Committee updating councillors.

Speaking at the meeting, Mr Williams said: “The biggest issue we have at the moment at the airport is our revenue.

“So, this is one of the several schemes we have to get the airport back into profit.”

READ MORE: Cab drivers slam Southampton Airport over drop-off fee

Bosses announced in April that Southampton Airport would receive a share of a £350m investment from AviAlliance to redesign the airport's terminal and give passengers a more comfortable experience.

The airport completed a £17m runway extension in August 2023 in the hope of attracting larger aircraft and more airlines.

It comes after the airport made a loss of £4.067m for the year to December 2023, the last published accounts.

Speaking to the Echo, Ian Hall, chairman of the Southampton Hackney and Private Hire Association, said drivers shouldn’t be charged extra to aid airport profits.

Ian Hall  (Image: Newsquest) He said: “It’s not our fault when it comes to airports losing money.

“I don’t know why car park customers should be charged extra when you look at the amount of traffic you see in the airport each day.

“All airports think we’re made of money and we’re not.”

Commenting on the airport's losses, Southampton Test MP, Satvir Kaur, said: "Southampton is a place where something is always happening and has so much to offer.

"I want to see our visitor economy grow, so having strategic ports that not only bring people to our region but celebrate and showcase our great city, whether that's via sea or air, is vitally important."

Just last week EasyJet announced a new twice-weekly route to Barcelona, Spain.

Eastleigh MP Liz Jarvis added: "After a difficult time for the foreign and domestic travel, it is encouraging to see Southampton Airport attracting airlines back and new routes being announced.

"The airport is a regional hub and a contributor to the local economy in Eastleigh, having has the capacity to further grow."

In a statement, A spokesman for AGS Airports, which owns and Southampton Airport, said: “AGS Airports has already announced plans to fully invest several hundred million pounds in our three airports over the next five years, the single largest investment in the group’s existence.

"Southampton Airport plays a critical role in driving economic and social prosperity across the region, and we have ambitious plans for long-term sustainable growth.”

 

Additional reporting from Natalia Forero.