SOUTHAMPTON Airport is set to submit plans to extend its runway in a matter of days.

The airport proposes to extend its runway by 164-metres.

If approved by Eastleigh Borough Council, the building works will start in early 2020 for completion by the end of next year.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, the airport would not give a specific date for when plans would be submitted however it confirmed it would be within a matter of "days" and before the end of October.

Despite opposition from local green campaign groups the airport claims the expansion will increase jobs on site from the current level of 950 to 1,500.

Members of Friends of the Earth, the Green Party and Extinction Rebellion have banded together to fight plans to expand Southampton Airport.

Calling themselves Airport eXpansion Opposition (AXO) they accept the need for a small regional airpor, however, because of the climate crisis believes people must fly less.

It is urging residents to sign a petition calling on Southampton City Council to oppose expansion plans.

The airport will be hosting drop-in sessions for the public to learn about the plans.

They will be on: Tuesday, October 22 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the Holiday Inn on Leigh Road; Thursday, October 24 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Bitterne Park School; Saturday, October 26 from 10am to 12pm at Southampton Airport; Tuesday, October 29 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at Shawford Village Hall, Winchester.