Loganair Launches Tenth UK Base, Connecting Isle of Man to Southampton?

January 6, 2026 at 11:11 AM•2 min read

Loganair has opened its tenth UK base at Southampton Airport, preparing to launch a new weekly same-plane service connecting the hub with the Isle of Man (Ronaldsway) starting this weekend.

Key Points

1Loganair has opened its tenth UK base at Southampton Airport, a major regional expansion.
2The new service from Isle of Man (Ronaldsway) to Southampton starts January 10, operating weekly on Saturdays until late March 2026.
3The route is a same-plane through-service via Manchester, utilizing two based ATR 72-600 aircraft.
4The base creates up to 50 local jobs and strengthens UK regional connectivity, especially to the South Coast.

Loganair, the UK's largest regional airline, has officially opened its tenth operational base at Southampton Airport (SOU). This move marks a significant strategic step for the Glasgow-based carrier. The new hub aims to strengthen the resilience of Loganair's network. It also ensures reliable air links for the South Coast of England. The base will reach full operational capacity by March 2026.

Starting this Saturday, January 10, the airline will launch a new service. This route connects Ronaldsway Airport (IOM) on the Isle of Man to the Hampshire airport. The service will operate once a week on Saturdays. This initial schedule runs until March 28, 2026.

Key Route Details

This new Isle of Man service is a same-plane through-flight via Manchester (MAN). Passengers will remain on board the aircraft during the stopover. This offers a smooth, time-saving option for travelers. The route is being trialed as part of Loganair's winter schedule. The airline may extend the service permanently if demand proves strong enough.

The new base will initially house two ATR 72-600 aircraft. These turboprops are known for their efficiency in regional operations. The ATR 72-600, co-owned by Airbus, carries 72 passengers. The expansion is expected to add over 140,000 extra seats per year to the region.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity

Establishing a permanent Southampton Airport base is a major investment. It creates up to 50 new local jobs for pilots, cabin crew, and engineers. This growth strengthens the local economy significantly. Loganair's expansion aligns with the goal of improving UK regional connectivity.

The airline's presence also reintroduces a vital link. The Southampton-Manchester route was previously lost with the collapse of Flybe. Loganair's extensive interline agreements provide greater global connectivity. This allows passengers to connect easily to worldwide destinations.

Loganair's focus on reliable service is a key factor in its growth. The carrier was named the most punctual for UK arrivals and departures in Q2 2025. This was confirmed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Industry bodies like IATA stress the importance of operational stability. This is especially true for regional carriers serving island communities.

This strategic move by Loganair underscores the ongoing post-pandemic recovery. It highlights the importance of regional airline expansion in the UK market. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.