I really hope Flybe pull through. Not just for SOU, but firstly for their employees and for the UK regional economy in general- a lot of places would feel their absence.
From a local perspective, this news is obviously out of the blue. I hope it acts as a kick up the backside to Eastleigh Borough Council and focuses their minds on the fact that SOU at the moment is dependent on a carrier which is on shaky ground. If EBC wish to have a thriving regional airport still operating within their borough,with the economic benefit that brings, then they need to permit it to expand in order to serve a wider market and acquire a greater depth of services and operators.
If SOU is to be viable long term it needs that runway extension. Hopefully this news, as unwelcome as it is, will increase the likelihood of planning permission being granted.
Best wishes to the Flybe staff today, what a horrible thing to go through once again. Fingers crossed for you all.
Last edited by The Nutts Mutts; 13th Jan 2020 at 10:18.