Southampton airport

[pompeyfan]

Doing a lot of work in Southampton recently, the main flight path is over the city and it got me wondering, why aren't bigger planes such as A319s or B737s used in to and out of the airport, is it down to operational reasons at the airport, or as I suspect soley down to demand from passenger numbers?

Any answers would be great

 

[starrymarkb]

It has a short runway, so while an A319 or smaller 737 can get in and out they will be restricted when it comes to fuel and payload they can carry

 

[pompeyfan]

I didn't even take that in to consideration, cheers for that!

 

[SpacePhoenix]

Bournemouth is probably the nearest none-London airport to Southampton that could handle them sized planes in terms of runway length

 

[jamesontheroad]

In fact SOU has handled aircraft as large as the 757, but as others have pointed out the short runway places restrictions on load and range.