Southampton Airport History

Book now and save more with Airparks

Southampton Airport History


Southampton Airport boasts a long history, with the first aircraft taking off from the original site in 1910. The aircraft, named Moonbeam 2, was made and flown by local man Eric Rowland Moon. However, it wasn’t until 1932 that Southampton Corporation purchased the site and named it Southampton Municipal Airport. One of the most significant moments in Southampton Airport’s history was the launch of the first Spitfire prototype on March 5, 1936. Since then the airport has become a thriving transport hub, providing a gateway to the South of England as well as an important base for international flights.

Southampton Airport Timeline

  • 1910 – First aircraft, Moonbeam 2, is flown from the Southampton Airport site
  • 1914 – Flying display takes place at the airport site with 10,000 spectators
  • 1932 – Southampton Corporation purchases the site and names it Southampton Municipal Airport
  • 1933 – Hampshire Aeroplane Club takes up residence in Southampton Airport
  • 1936 – First Spitfire prototype is launched
  • 1939 – RAF Southampton recommissioned for use in wartime
  • 1945 – Southampton Airport is reopened as a municipal airport
  • 1960s – Southampton Airport purchased by My J N Somers
  • 1970s – New air traffic control tower and surveillance radar built
  • 1984 – Airports UK Ltd. appointed to manage Southampton Airport
  • 1990 – Airport site then purchased by BAA with the announcement of a £27 million investment
  • 1994 – Southampton Municipal Airport officially renamed BAA Southampton International Airport
  • 1995 – Old terminal building demolished
  • 2003 – One million passengers passing through Southampton Airport per year
  • 2005 – Draft masterplan for redevelopment launched
  • 2008 – Check-in and baggage facilities almost doubled in development
  • 2010 – Southampton Airport celebrates 100 years of flight in South Hampshire

Airlines at Southampton Airport

Eight airlines operate out of Southampton Airport, the largest of which, offering flights to over 35 destinations, is Flybe. The airline operates flights to popular European destinations Amsterdam, Alicante and Malaga making Southampton a popular airport for short European breaks. It also offers internal flights to Leeds, Glasgow and Edinburgh. Other airlines that have been steadily increasing at Southampton Airport include Air France, Eastern Airways and Thomson Airways.

History at Southampton Airport

With over one million passengers now passing through Southampton Airport each year and destinations on the increase, Southampton Airport is a thriving transport hub for the South of England. Its long history and fascinating links to the famous Spitfire make it particularly enjoyable to travel through. Airparks offer a great selection of Southampton Airport Parking options, all of which are available to pre-book online at discounted rates.