Alderney asks to be considered in Southampton runway talks

Monday 22 March 2021

A big decision will be made this week about the future of Southampton’s runway and whether or not it’ll be extended.

A meeting is being held on Thursday to allow Eastleigh councillors to decide whether or not to allow an extension to the Southampton Airport runway.

The airport has submitted a planning application to Eastleigh Borough Council, to extend the runway by 164 metres and create 600 new car parking spaces.

Operations Director at Southampton Airport, Steve Szalay, said the Eastleigh Local Area Committee meeting is “critical” and will determine the future of the airport.

This concerns the Bailiwick because if planning approval isn’t granted, the airport's long-term trading position will be put in jeopardy, potentially leading to its closure. 

Pictured: Southampton Airport is an essential air route for the Bailiwick and for Alderney in particular.

Campaigners in the area, and Southampton City Council itself, have raised concerns about the environmental impact of extending the runway. It will be up to eight councillors to make a decision next week.

Chair of the Alderney’s Economic Development Committee, Annie Burgess, has written to them to emphasise how important the link with Southampton is to Alderney.

“I do hope that you give due weight and consideration to our community and its positive economic impacts in Eastleigh and surrounding areas when considering the application,” she said.

Express has asked the States of Guernsey whether it too has made representations to the Eastleigh Council, however we have not received a response.