The first plane has taken flight from Southampton Airport’s runway extension.

An Eastern Airways flight to Paris departed at 6.41am this morning, marking it as the first aircraft to use the extension.

The flight landed in Paris at 8.48am. The construction phase of the £17m work has been completed.

Steve Szalay, operations director at Southampton Airport, said: “At approximately 6.30am today, Eastern Airways’ T3243 service to Paris Orly became the first flight to depart using the completed runway extension.

“I am proud to say the programme of works to extend the airport’s runway by 164 meters was completed on time and under budget.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in this project for their hard work and dedication.

“The completion of the runway extension is an important milestone and will ensure Southampton Airport’s vital connectivity continues to deliver social and economic prosperity for the wider region.”

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The work at the airport in Eastleigh has been surrounded by controversy.

The plans were approved two years ago following a marathon 36-hour debate.

An official opening will take place next month.