Owais Crawford
Southampton Airport (SOU) is located in the north-east of Southampton, near the M27 and M3 motorways. The airport is owned and operated by AGS Airports, which also owns and operates Aberdeen and Glasgow airports. Southampton Airport has a rich history, dating back to 1910 when pioneer pilot Edwin Rowland Moon used the meadows of North Stoneham Farm as a takeoff and landing spot for his monoplane, Moonbeam Mk II. The airport has undergone significant redevelopment and now serves as a user-friendly gateway to England's south coast region, with nearly two million passengers travelling through it each year.
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What You'll Learn
Southampton Airport's history and development
Southampton Airport, located 6.5 km north-northeast of central Southampton, has a rich history and has played a significant role in the development of aviation in the UK. The airport's history can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the first aircraft taking off from the site in 1910.
In its early days, the site was known as Eastleigh Airfield and was used by pioneer pilot Edwin Rowland Moon as a takeoff and landing spot for his monoplane, Moonbeam Mk II, also known as Moonbeam 2. During World War I, the site was designated NAS Eastleigh and was used by the United States Navy Air Service.
In 1932, Southampton Corporation purchased the site and it became Southampton Municipal Airport. This was facilitated by the Southampton Corporation Act of 1931, which allowed for the creation of a public aerodrome. During this time, the airport witnessed several significant moments, including the first test flight of the Supermarine Spitfire on March 5, 1936. The airport was also used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was known as RAF Southampton.
In the post-war years, the airport continued to develop and thrive. In 1959, racing pilot J.N. 'Nat' Somers purchased the airport and laid the foundation for the modern regional airport by constructing a concrete runway in 1963. Somers also worked with the Department of Transport to ensure the M27 motorway passed through the airport, improving its accessibility.
Today, Southampton Airport is owned and operated by AGS Airports, which also owns Aberdeen and Glasgow airports. The airport handles a significant number of passengers each year, with nearly two million passengers passing through in 2016. Southampton Airport has now shifted its focus towards sustainable operations, with a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
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Transport to and from the airport
Southampton Airport is located on the north-easterly outskirts of Southampton, just off Junction 5 of the M27 motorway, with easy connections to the M3. The airport is only 4 miles from the centre of Southampton, 20 miles from Portsmouth and 11 miles from Winchester.
Driving to Southampton Airport
The airport is easily accessible by car, being situated just off Junction 5 of the M27 motorway, which connects to the M3. The A33/A34 links to Oxford and the Midlands. There is a short-stay car park for those who only need to park for a few hours or are dropping off or picking up passengers. For longer stays, there is a Long Stay Car Park located north of the terminal, with frequent shuttle buses to take you to and from the terminal building free of charge.
Train to Southampton Airport
The nearest train station is Southampton Airport Parkway, which is located near the airport. The station has ticket machines, and staff are available to assist with boarding and alighting trains during staffed hours.
Bus to Southampton Airport
There are bus services at Southampton Airport Parkway station, as well as local Unilink and First Group buses, and commercial shuttles that operate to and from the airport.
Other Transport Options
Other transport options to and from the airport include taxis and rental cars. All the main car rental agencies have booths at Southampton Airport, with fleets on standby. There is also a sheltered bike storage area at Southampton Airport Parkway station, and bike hire is available at or near the station.
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Flight and airline information
Southampton Airport (SOU/EGHI) is located north of Southampton, just off J5 of the M27 and very near the M3. The airport has one asphalt runway, 02/20, which is 1887 metres long and 37 metres wide. Only runway 20 has an Instrument Landing System, while 02 has VOR/DME and NDB, and visual approaches are allowed on both runways. The airport is required to close from 23:00 to 06:00 but can operate ten flights monthly between those times. Southampton Airport has a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence (Number P690), which permits flights for public passenger transport and flight instruction. It is owned and operated by AGS Airports, which also owns and operates Aberdeen and Glasgow airports.
Historically, Southampton Airport has had three runways, including the current one. The northern runway, which intersected the current runway at a 90-degree angle, is still visible and is why there is a panhandle on the northeast side of the airfield. All runways were grass. Southampton Airport has a rich history, dating back to 1910 when pioneer pilot Edwin Rowland Moon used the meadows of North Stoneham Farm as a takeoff and landing spot for his monoplane, Moonbeam Mk II. During the 1930s, the site was used by the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was known as RAF Eastleigh before becoming RAF Southampton in 1936. Supermarine, the manufacturer of the Spitfire aircraft, had a significant presence at the airport during this period, using it for flight testing and construction.
Up until March 2020, 95% of the flights from Southampton Airport were operated by Flybe. However, the airline ceased operations, and when it was relaunched, it only served Southampton Airport for nine months. Southampton Airport's main ground handler is Swissport (Servisair), which handles all passenger services and apron operations for various airlines. Aurigny Air Services is an exception, as they manage their own ground handling.
Southampton Airport offers various services and amenities for passengers. These include flight information, parking, destinations, travel insurance, special assistance, shops, and dining options. Real-time flight tracking and historical flight status information are also available through online flight trackers.
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Nearby attractions and destinations
Southampton Airport, previously known as Southampton (Eastleigh) Airport and RAF Southampton, is located just off Junction 5 of the M27 and very near the M3. The airport is situated north of Southampton and offers good transport links to the city and other destinations, such as Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Winchester, and Oxford, by train and coach.
Southampton is a vibrant city with a rich maritime history and a plethora of attractions. The city's heart is its port, which is bustling with ferries and cruise liners. The Old Town exudes a medieval charm, with its historic buildings and lively weekly markets. Art enthusiasts can explore a range of art galleries, while shoppers can indulge in WestQuay, one of the finest retail centres on the south coast. The dining and entertainment scene in Southampton is also diverse.
One of the most popular activities in Southampton is to follow the QE2 Mile, a pedestrian route that takes you through the historic centre down to the waterfront. The city also boasts a range of theatres and a thriving football culture, with local sides often playing against refugee teams formed at the historic Atlantic Park.
The surrounding Hampshire countryside is a sight to behold, with rolling green hills, picturesque English villages, and the New Forest. The coastline is equally captivating, featuring charming fishing and boating towns. Notable sights in the area include Winchester Cathedral, Paultons Park, Netley Abbey, the stately home of Beaulieu, Marwell Zoo, and the maritime centres of Gosport and Portsmouth. For those interested in aviation history, the Supermarine Flight Shed, which once housed Spitfires, is located at the airport, and there is also the derelict rotor-testing building of Saunders-Roe on the eastern side of the airfield.
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Airport facilities and services
Southampton Airport has a range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. The airport is located north of Southampton, just off Junction 5 of the M27 and close to the M3, making it easily accessible by car.
For passengers travelling to and from the airport, there are various transport options available, including car hire, taxi, bus, train, and even bike. The airport also offers parking options, such as priority parking, short-stay parking, and meet-and-greet services.
Once inside the airport, passengers can take advantage of the free Wi-Fi available throughout the terminal. For those looking to grab a bite, there are several eating options, including the Spitfire Lounge, which is named after the Supermarine Spitfire, which took its first test flight from the airport in 1936. Additionally, passengers can browse the shops, purchase travel insurance, and utilise the special assistance services provided by the airport.
The airport's main ground handler, Swissport (Servisair), manages all passenger services and apron operations, ensuring smooth and efficient handling of flights. The airport is also equipped with a single asphalt runway, 02/20, which is 1887 metres long and 37 metres wide, allowing for safe takeoffs and landings.
Southampton Airport prioritises the safety and security of its passengers, continuously investing in upgrades to its security systems, including the implementation of Next Generation Checkpoint scanners.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Southampton Airport (SOU) is located on the north-easterly outskirts of Southampton, next to Basset, Eastleigh and Swaythling.
Southampton Airport is only 4 miles from the centre of Southampton. It is also 20 miles from Portsmouth and 11 miles from Winchester.
Southampton Airport is located just off Junction 5 of the M27 motorway, which connects to the M3. The nearest train station is Southampton Airport Parkway, which has connections to the airport. Local Unilink and First Group buses, commercial shuttles, taxis and rental cars are also transport options to get to the airport.
