Southampton Airport’s new owner has said they will help grow the city, enhance the passenger experience, and realise the airport’s full potential.

It comes after Southampton Airport was sold as part of a £1.5 billion deal that saw Spanish construction giant Ferrovial and joint venture partner Macquarie agree to sell AGS Airports to AviAlliance, a leading private industrial airport investor.

The deal is expected to complete in the first quarter of next year with AviAlliance – owned by one of Canada’s largest pension investors – also acquiring Glasgow and Aberdeen airports.

Following the news of the takeover, a spokesperson for AviAlliance shared an insight into what the future holds for Southampton Airport.

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A spokesperson said: “Southampton Airport serves an important region of the UK and significantly contributes to the local economy.

“Leveraging its long track record of growth and operational excellence in the airport industry, AviAlliance will utilise its extensive experience to responsibly develop and grow Southampton by increasing air connectivity, enhancing the passenger experience, and supporting local communities, and looks forward to working with the airport and its employees to realise its full potential.”

MP for Hamble Valley, Paul Holmes, represented Eastleigh in Parliament between 2019 and 2024, and was a vocal supporter of the airport's successful campaign to extend its runway during that time.

Speaking to the Echo, Mr Holmes said: “I would hope the new owner of the airport would guarantee the number of jobs that we have and would bring extra investment into Southampton Airport.

“I’ve always been a vocal advocate of the extension of Southampton Airport’s runway, it’s something I campaigned for as the member of parliament for Eastleigh from 2019 to 2024.

“What I’m looking forward to is more flights and more investment into the airport because I believe if we have a viable, regional Southampton Airport, then we can see the redevelopment of areas around the airport – such as Hedge End and Eastleigh town centre.

“I think it’s a good thing if we see investment come in and I’ll always champion the right of Southampton Airport to operate within the local community.”