**London Gatwick Airport’s Second Runway Approved: Economic Promise Meets Environmental Opposition**
In a significant move aimed at boosting the UK's economic growth and airport capacity, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given the green light to plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport. The £2.2 billion project, which will be privately financed, marks one of the most substantial expansions in British aviation in years and is expected to reshape the travel landscape in the southeast of England. While proponents tout its economic benefits, the decision has ignited fierce debate among environmentalists, local residents, and climate campaigners.
**The Expansion Plan: Details and Scope**
Gatwick Airport, located in West Sussex, has operated for decades as Europe’s busiest single-runway airport, serving more than 40 million passengers annually. The expansion project centers on repositioning the current Northern Runway by 12 meters, converting it from a taxiway and backup strip into a fully operational second runway. This transformation is set to unlock a dramatic increase in the number of flights, from the current 280,000 annually to an estimated 389,000 by the late 2030s—a near 40% rise.
The project involves more than just the runway shift. Terminal buildings will be extended and upgraded to accommodate the greater passenger numbers, which Gatwick predicts could reach up to 80 million per year—effectively doubling its current throughput. The new runway will primarily be used for short-haul flights, thereby freeing up the main runway for expanded long-haul services. This division of traffic is intended to make the airport more efficient and attractive for both leisure and business travelers.
Before the new runway is even operational, plans are in place to add 40,000 extra flights annually. Once fully up and running, the second runway will allow for 70,000 additional flights—almost 190 more take-offs and landings per day. Gatwick’s management insists these changes will stimulate job creation and local economic growth, promising thousands of new positions both at the airport and in supporting industries.
**Government Backing and Political Context**
The decision to approve the second runway did not come overnight. Earlier in the year, the Transport Secretary had indicated a willingness to grant consent, pending further review. The government sees the expansion as a strategic move to catalyze growth, especially as the UK seeks to solidify its position as a global travel hub post-Brexit. A source within the government described the project as a “no-brainer for growth,” emphasizing that new flights could be departing from the expanded Gatwick before the next general election.
Despite enthusiastic government support, the approval process was marked by careful scrutiny. Planning inspectors voiced concerns about the potential for increased road traffic, noise pollution, and the strain on local infrastructure. In response, Gatwick Airport agreed to a series of mitigation measures, including stricter noise controls and a comprehensive insulation program for nearby residents. A particularly ambitious goal was set: at least 54% of passengers must use public transport to access the airport before the new runway opens.
To meet this target, coordination with external partners—including the Department for Transport—will be crucial. Gatwick cited the need to restore the full Gatwick Express rail service, which prior to the pandemic provided four trains per hour non-stop between the airport and London Victoria. Since 2022, this frequency has been halved, underscoring the urgency of transport upgrades. If the 54% public transport target cannot be achieved, the airport has proposed a cap on cars using local roads. Should neither target be met, Gatwick has committed to delaying the runway’s opening until £350 million of road improvements are completed, ensuring that congestion is kept in check.
The government has framed the approval as evidence of its commitment to cutting bureaucratic red tape around major infrastructure projects. A spokesperson noted that “unprecedented steps” had been taken to overcome the “needlessly complex planning system,” and pledged that future reforms would further streamline such processes. However, they insisted that any airport expansion must align with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments and adhere to strict environmental standards.
**Local Economic Impact and National Aviation Policy**
For Gatwick and the surrounding region, the second runway is projected to be a major economic driver. The airport argues that increased capacity will translate into more direct and indirect jobs, not just at Gatwick but throughout the local supply chain. Local businesses, from hotels to logistics firms, are expected to benefit from the influx of