Because of its comparatively short runway measuring 1,820 m × 30 m (5,971 ft × 98 ft), the airport was unable to benefit from the growth of low-cost flights that had fuelled expansion at other airports in the region (Carcassonne, Perpignan, Montpellier and Nîmes). For some years there were plans to extend the runway and this work was finally carried out between November 2006 and February 2007. The new runway is now capable of handling the Boeing 737-sized jets favoured by low-cost carriers. Facilities are limited, with departure capacity just capable to accommodate passengers for two Boeing 737s, using the two gates. After a runway expansion completed in 2007, daily direct flights to Paris Orly and seasonal services to Bastia were augmented by Ryanair flights to and from Bristol International Airport, which commenced March 2008. On 24 March 2008, it was announced that during the summer months Ryanair flights would also operate to and from London Stansted with a possibility of being extended should they prove successful. Further flights from Béziers to London Luton Airport were announced in June 2008 and these commenced twice a week from October 2008.