Oxford and Southampton: New regional air routes to offer fast journeys from the south

Aviation minister Robert Goodwill has welcomed the new domestic and international routes that will start in 2016 from Oxford and Southampton airports.

The chancellor announced in his recent Spending Review that 11 successful bidders across the UK had been awarded support from the Government’s Regional Air Connectivity Fund. The new flights will offer fast journey times to Edinburgh from Oxford, and quicker connections to Lyon and Munich from Southampton.

Goodwill said: “Oxford and Southampton airports are vital engines for the south’s economy, connecting the UK and creating opportunities. That is why the Government backs new air routes from the south, with our investment benefiting hardworking people across the country.”

The start-up aid bidding competition was open to airports with fewer than five million passengers per year and allows air routes that are not commercially viable today to be introduced early, giving time for airlines to build passenger numbers and deliver a more sustainable service. It is anticipated that flights will begin from Spring 2016.

Start-up aid of up to £7 million is being provided through the Regional Air Connectivity Fund. The fund already supports strategic routes to London from Newquay and Dundee.