Holidaymakers can look forward to increased travel options as plans for a second runway at Gatwick airport have been given the green light. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved the airport’s £2.2 billion project to bring its northern runway into full operational use.
The expansion project, which is privately funded, aims to have the new runway operational by 2029. This development is expected to accommodate an additional 100,000 flights annually, catering to up to 80 million passengers. This capacity boost is nearly double the current levels, with Gatwick having served approximately 43 million passengers last year. Moreover, the expansion is projected to create 14,000 jobs and inject £1 billion into the regional economy.
A government official emphasized the importance of Gatwick’s expansion for promoting growth in business, trade, and tourism, citing capacity constraints as a hindrance. The official highlighted the government’s efforts to navigate a complex planning system to facilitate the expansion efficiently.
The current “Northern Runway” at Gatwick acts primarily as a taxiway and a backup option when the main runway is unavailable. Gatwick’s proposal to reposition the center line of the northern runway to allow dual runway operations has now received ministerial approval. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2025, with completion targeted by the end of the decade.
The decision to move forward with the second runway aligns with earlier indications from Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who hinted at government support for the project during a speech on driving economic growth. While supporters view the expansion as a strategic move to enhance connectivity and economic competitiveness, critics have raised concerns about noise pollution, air quality, and the strain on local infrastructure and services.
Notably, the approval of Gatwick’s expansion plan comes amidst ongoing debates over airport capacity and environmental sustainability. The government has emphasized the importance of adhering to climate change commitments and stringent environmental standards in any aviation development.
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