Originally Posted by
Rivet Joint
With the stands being realigned for bigger aircraft I think we can be confident an announcement isn’t too far off. Maybe a low cost operator has laid down a list of requirements that need to be actioned before they move in, such as the work to the stands.
Even if you don’t subscribe to rumours or educated guesses, there are two simple facts at play here. One is that SOU is clearly making the changes needed to accommodate a low cost operator and two that the London airports are likely going be back to being maxed out next summer. Growth will need to come from the likes of SOU.
On a final note isn’t it refreshing to not have any car park fires leading to the full closure of the airport
An announcement may well be coming but I don't think work to the stands is necessarily a sign it is imminent. In the grand scheme of things, realigning a few stands is a fairly straightforward operation considering any announcement would be for operations starting in 2024, so I'm sceptical an airline would he holding back announcing because of that.
Similarly, disagree re London's market and potential implications. Southend isn't full whatsoever and won't be next year with capacity there for an extra 2 million at least. Stansted isn't anywhere near full, I think it can take 30m+ on current infrastructure.
But I don't think Southampton's future is dependent on the London market.