British Airways moved its Jersey operations from Gatwick to the major hub airport after the Island’s borders reopened in July last year.
The airline had been due to switch these services back to the smaller West Sussex airport in March. However, the move has repeatedly been pushed back.
EasyJet is still serving Gatwick, as well as Luton. Jet2 is due to launch a service between Jersey and Stansted from 26 June. Meanwhile, BA Cityflyer is due to begin flying between Jersey and London City Airport from 25 June.
And plans to extend Southampton Airport’s runway by 164 metres have been approved by Eastleigh Borough Council.
The company’s finances suffered badly after the collapse of Flybe – which used small aircraft and operated the vast majority of services from the Hampshire base.
As a result, the airport said that in order to attract new airlines with larger aircraft, which would secure the port’s future, it was crucial that its runway was extended.
Reacting to the news yesterday, Steve Szalay, operations director at Southampton Airport, said: ‘This is the news we have been hoping for and working so hard to achieve. By listening to the overwhelming public and business support, as well as the planning officer’s recommendation to approve, the councillors have safeguarded the future of the airport.
‘The decision also ensures we are well placed to provide employment and
support the region as we seek to recover post-pandemic.’
