Southampton Airport has announced plans to expand its passenger terminal. The regional airport plans to add an 800 sq m extension to its terminal in Eastleigh. It currently serves 800,000 to 900,000 passengers per year and runs flights to 15 destinations, including Paris, Mallorca and Barcelona with airlines such as Aer Lingus, Easyjet, KLM and Loganair operating journeys.
The expansion is necessary, says AGS Airports
AGS Airports, which owns Southampton Airport, has said the extra space is necessary as airlines begin to operate larger aircrafts with around 200 passengers. The airport predominantly uses Embraers and ATRs but has the space for Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s, following a runway expansion in 2023.
Larger aircraft and more passengers will increase the need for changes inside the terminal. Currently, up to 200 passengers may need to wait in a pre-controlled boarding area to allow arriving passengers to depart the aircraft.
Rather than applying for planning permission, AGS has applied for a Lawful Development Certificate that confirms the expansion can go ahead under existing development rights.
The airport has had previous expansions and improvements
Since the main passenger terminal opened in 1994, the airport has made several proposals for expansions and improvements. In 2023, an extended runway was officially opened which added 164 metres to the northern runway and 600 car parking spaces. In Feb. 2026, another proposal was made to include a passenger walkway, a new domestic baggage reclaim and the construction of a second floor.
Councillor Steve Broomfield welcomed the idea saying it enables the airport to be better able to process modern, more environmentally efficient aircraft and the resulting increase in passenger numbers.
A public consultation will run until Nov. 18 and a decision is expected by Dec. 10.
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