As well as extending the runway, VolkerFitzpatrick provided a wider ‘turning pad’, to allow planes to u-turn at the end of the runway and a new blast screen, to minimise the impact of airport operations. Associated changes to drainage and lighting along the runway, the realignment of the northern perimeter fence and related works to the airside perimeter road and landside access track were also provided.

The project team worked at night and liaised closely with airport staff on a daily basis to avoid disruption. The work was carefully planned to ensure there was no impact on airfield operations and flights were able continue as scheduled throughout.

Kevin Berry, VolkerFitzpatrick operations director, commented: We’re very pleased to have completed this important work at Southampton Airport on schedule. Needing to keep the runway open while works were underway, to minimise the impacts on day-to-day airport operations and the surrounding area, was always going to present us with some challenges. We'd like to thank everyone at the airport, as well as surrounding neighbours, for their understanding and cooperation over the last several months.’

Steve Szalay, operations director at Southampton Airport, said: “I am proud to say the programme of works to extend the airport’s runway by 164 meters was completed on time and under budget. I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work and dedication. The completion of the runway extension is an important milestone and will ensure Southampton Airport’s vital connectivity continues to deliver social and economic prosperity for the wider region.”

Throughout the 10 month project, the VolkerFitzpatrick team engaged with the local community by firstly inviting local neighbours living close to the runway to an event to hear about the plans for the construction works, including working hours and measures to minimise disruption. The neighbours were provided with details of a dedicated community app, enabling them to ask questions and raise queries throughout the project, in total the app gained over 800 followers. Local supply chain contractors were also hired, providing employment opportunities over the course of the project.

Now complete, the new runway extension gives the airport the capacity to handle traditional short-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, which would previously have struggled to take off when fully loaded. The works are part of a £17m investment in the South’s economy, and have cemented Southampton Airport’s status as a viable regional alternative to the main airports in and around London with the potential to be used by the likes of EasyJet, Ryanair and Jet2.