Gatwick Second Runway Given Green Light By Transport Secretary

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport, paving the way for a £2.2bn expansion project.

The privately-financed scheme will see the existing Northern Runway shifted 12 metres to bring it into regular use, alongside terminal extensions and other improvements.

Gatwick says the move could create jobs, boost the local economy, and increase capacity to around 389,000 flights a year by the late 2030s – up from 280,000 today.

Passenger numbers could rise to as many as 80 million.

The airport, already Europe’s busiest single-runway hub, hopes flights from the new runway could begin before the next general election.

It plans to use the Northern Runway mainly for short-haul services, freeing space on the main runway for more long-haul flights.

But the decision has sparked fierce debate. Business groups and unions have welcomed the move as a step towards growth, while environmental campaigners and local groups warn of increased noise, air pollution and traffic congestion.

To address concerns, Gatwick has agreed to tighter noise limits, improved insulation for nearby residents, and a target for more than half of passengers to travel by public transport before the runway opens.

The airport has also pledged road traffic caps and, if necessary, a delay to expansion until £350m of road upgrades are completed.

Supporters describe the plan as a “no-brainer for growth.”

Critics, including the Green Party and climate groups, say the expansion is incompatible with the UK’s environmental commitments and are threatening legal action.

The approval follows similar expansion plans at Luton earlier this year, while Heathrow’s third runway proposal remains stalled.