'Runway extension does not compromise Net Zero target' - Southampton Airport

Southampton Airport is, according to its Director, still committed to its Net Zero targets despite its recent runway extension.

This reiteration of the airport's commitment to sustainability comes as the airport has marked the official completion of the runways construction work.

Southampton Airport had the 164m extension attended between its existing runway and its northern boundary fence.

The commitment called into question was the airport's promise to offset its direct emissions by the mid-2030s.

Paul Holmes, MP for Eastleigh, said: “Obviously, we campaigned for this extension and it feels like a job well done.

“It feels like a huge achievement, not only because I committed to it when I was elected in 2019, but also for the region and the leadership that the borough council showed in making sure that this got through.”

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The airport has agreed to a cap of three million passengers per year, controls on noise and vehicles and the establishment of a Community Health Fund.

Steve Szalay, Director of the airport, said: “Firstly I would like to say thank you to all our supporters and the people who protested have been the minority, but they have some legitimate concerns about noise and the environment.

“Eight thousand people were brought into the consultation and five thousand were in support, so I think democracy has been served and we are here today because we actually built it.

“So the important thing is to leave those arguments to one side and ask ourselves what can we do and how can we work together.”

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