Local business representatives and senior politicians joined Aviation Minister Baroness Vere and Southampton airport's leadership team on the UK airfield on Thursday, 21 September to officially mark the opening of the runway extension.

The event marks the end of a project that got underway on 3 April this year to deliver the 164m extension to the northern end of Southampton's runway. This important £17 million investment will allow the airport to attract more airlines than was previously possible and help deliver new routes and services for the people of Southampton and the wider region. The runway extension will help deliver improved connectivity and unlock opportunities for business and leisure travel in the area, while guaranteeing the airport's viability for the future.

The airport's operations director Steve Szalay was joined on the airfield by aviation minister Baroness Vere as well as local politicians Paul Holmes, Caroline Noakes, Royston Smith, Alan Whitehead and Steve Brine.

Guests attending had the chance to get up close to a World War II Spitfire and watch the iconic aircraft take off from the runway extension. While the Spitfire is synonymous with city's rich aviation history, the runway extension represents an exciting future for Southampton airport.

Szalay says: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported Southampton airport's runway extension over the last few years, from members of the public to the local business community. The extension is a critical part of our future and will help enhance the region's connectivity, safeguard the airport's future and help deliver social and economic benefits to Eastleigh, Southampton and the wider region.”

Aviation minister Baroness Vere adds: “The aviation sector plays a key role in not only keeping the four nations of our union connected but also delivering jobs and economic growth right across the country. That's why regional airports like Southampton are so vital to supporting the Government's effort to help create economic opportunities. It's great to see today's new runway extension, which will help deliver 2,000 new jobs and open the city up to even more international routes.”

Paul Holmes, MP for Eastleigh says: “It was great to help officially open the runway extension today. I have been passionate about seeing this important development through since I was elected, and I am pleased to see it complete. The works will secure 2,000 jobs and cement Southampton airport's status as a viable regional alternative to the main airports in and around London and will undoubtedly help to regenerate the town of Eastleigh.”

Miguel Rodera, Ferrovial Airports' asset management director for AGS, adds: “At Ferrovial we are committed to strengthening connectivity while promoting economic development. The expansion advances our shared goal to increase capacity and positively impact the community and the region; it is a proud moment to see this come to fruition, as well as the benefits it will bring for the UK and the sector.”