Airport plans to expand passenger terminal

An airport could be expanded to handle planes carrying almost three times as many passengers under new plans.

Southampton Airport has drawn up plans for an 800 sq m (8611 sq ft) extension to its passenger terminal in Mitchell Way, Eastleigh, alongside changes to the internal layout.

AGS Airports, which owns the airport, said the extra space is needed because airlines are now operating larger aircraft carrying around 200 passengers, rather than 70-seater planes.

The airport operator said this change has reduced the number of aircraft movements but created a need for more space inside the terminal due to passenger boarding.

Under the current system, up to 200 passengers may need to wait in a controlled pre-boarding area for around 15 minutes so they can board quickly once the arriving passengers have left the aircraft.

The proposed extension would be built on an area known as Stand 6, next to the existing terminal building.

AGS Airports said it has asked Eastleigh Borough Council to confirm if the works can be carried out under permitted development rights.

It forms part of plans to further improve Southampton Airport, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Rather than seeking conventional planning permission, the airport has applied for a Lawful Development Certificate confirming that the extension can go ahead under existing permitted development rights.

Speaking on the proposals, councillor Steve Broomfield, who sits on the council's airport consultative committee, welcomed the idea.

He said: "It enables the airport to be better able to process modern, more environmentally efficient aircraft and the resulting increase in passenger numbers."

Documents stated that the original terminal, dating from 1994, covers 6,176 square metres and has previously been extended by 124 square metres.

A public consultation will run until 18 November and a decision is due by 10 December.