Holidaymakers can look forward to an enhanced travel experience following the approval of a second runway at Gatwick airport. The expansion plan entails an increase of approximately 100,000 flights annually, catering to up to 80 million passengers. The anticipated operational commencement of the new runway is 2029.
After navigating through concerns regarding noise levels and transportation infrastructure, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander finalized the proposal on a Sunday evening. Gatwick airport’s £2.2 billion project, funded privately, will involve activating its second northern runway to full operational status. This development parallels the earlier approval of a third runway at Heathrow airport by the government.
The expansion initiative at Gatwick is projected to generate 14,000 employment opportunities and contribute £1 billion to the regional economy. This expansion will nearly double the airport’s existing capacity, which served around 43 million passengers in the previous year.
A government official stated, “The Transport Secretary has given the green light for Gatwick’s expansion. This decision is crucial for fostering business growth, trade, and tourism due to existing capacity limitations. The government has made significant efforts to advance this project, streamlining a complex planning system for future simplification.
The potential scenario of flights taking off from a new operational runway at Gatwick before the upcoming general election is feasible. However, any airport expansion must align with legally binding climate change commitments and stringent environmental standards.
The current “Northern Runway” at Gatwick serves primarily as a taxiway and backup when the main runway is inactive. Gatwick submitted a planning application to reposition the northern runway’s centerline to enable dual runway operations.
Gatwick officials expressed optimism for a positive outcome following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ indication of government support for a second runway during an economic growth-focused speech earlier this year. Rachel Reeves had previously endorsed the third runway at Heathrow to position Britain as a global hub for business connectivity.
Critics argue that Gatwick’s expansion plans overlook critical issues such as noise pollution, air quality, additional infrastructure requirements, and strain on local services. Community groups, including Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions, criticized the government for potentially approving a new runway despite public dissent and claims that the expansion contradicts established policies.
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