Southampton Airport History
Southampton Airport's history stretches back as far as 1910 when local farmer Eric Rowland Moon periodically used the meadows of North Stoneham Farm to fly his homemade monoplane, Moonbeam Mk II.
In 1917 Stoneham Farm was requisitioned by the War Office who gave the base to the US Navy as a base for operations in Northern Europe.
After the end of the war, flying activity ceased at the site and the land was used by shipping companies based at Southampton docks.
Southampton Airport was re-born in 1932 when Southampton Corporation purchased Atlantic Park and the airfield became Southampton Municipal Airport.
Southampton Airport became home to Vickers Supermarine company who designed and built the Spitfire fighter aircraft in 1936, which later became central to Britain’s success in the battle of Britain.
In 1939 Southampton Airport was recommissioned as HMS Raven and subsequently spent most of the war in a ground and air training role for the Royal Navy
After the war the airport was returned to regular service in 1945 with a commercial service to the Channel Islands.
In the 1960s Mr. J. N. Somers secured the future of Southampton Airport when he purchased it from Southampton Corporation. A large investment programme began including the construction of an extended runway. This lead to a huge increase in passenger numbers.
The next development in the history of Southampton Airport came in 1984 when Airports UK Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of BAA plc, was appointed to manage the operational activities of Southampton Airport and set about improving the facilities and attracting new services.
In 1990 BAA plc purchased the Southampton Airport site and announced its intentions to invest £27 million in the complete re-development of the airport.
After 4 years of construction in 1994 The 'New Southampton Airport' was opened by HRH the Duke of York.
The new facilities allowed another increase in passenger numbers and in 1997 631,000 passengers travelled through Southampton Airport.
Today Southampton Airport handles over 1 million passengers a year and offers some of the most modern facilities available at any UK airport.
Airport Parking FAQ’s
- How do I get from the car park to the terminal at Southampton Airport?
- Are the car parks secure?
- Are the car parks open 24 hours a day?
- What is the benefit of pre-booking airport parking?
- Can I still book parking if I'm travelling tomorrow?
- How do I find the car park when I get to the airport?
- Do I have to leave my car keys with the car park?
- How do I contact Airport Parking Discounts?
- How do I amend or cancel my booking?
