London, UK – Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given the green light to plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport, a move aimed at fostering economic growth and increasing the UK’s aviation capacity.
The £2.2bn project, entirely privately financed, involves moving the current Northern Runway by 12 metres to bring it into regular operational use. The plan also includes expanding terminals and other airport facilities to accommodate future passenger growth.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves highlighted the economic benefits, stating that the expansion would generate “thousands of jobs and billions in investment” across the region. The government sees the runway as a critical element in its broader strategy to “get Britain building again.”
Gatwick, located in West Sussex, is currently Europe’s busiest single-runway airport, handling more than 40 million passengers annually. The airport currently accommodates around 280,000 flights per year. With the proposed expansion, flight numbers could increase to approximately 389,000 by the late 2030s.
The Northern Runway at Gatwick is presently used mainly for taxiing or as a backup. Under the new plans, it would serve short-haul flights, allowing the main runway to focus on long-haul services. This is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and passenger throughput.
A government source described the expansion as a “no-brainer for growth,” suggesting that planes could be taking off from the new runway before the next general election. If realized, the project could add up to 70,000 more flights annually once the second runway is fully operational – nearly 190 flights each day.
Despite government support, the project has faced criticism from environmental groups. The Green Party has described the development as a “disaster,” highlighting concerns about carbon emissions and environmental impact in the region.
Gatwick Airport maintains that passenger numbers could rise to as many as 80 million annually, more than doubling current capacity. The project is expected to stimulate local economic activity, create thousands of construction and aviation-related jobs, and attract significant investment.
With Heathrow Airport already operating near full capacity, Gatwick’s expansion is seen as a vital step to meet growing demand for air travel and maintain the UK’s position as a leading global aviation hub.
The approval signals a major milestone for the airport and the UK government’s infrastructure agenda. While debates around environmental sustainability continue, supporters emphasize the potential economic gains and enhanced connectivity for businesses and travelers across the country.
The second runway project represents one of the largest infrastructure investments in the UK in recent years, reflecting the government’s ambition to combine economic growth with modernized aviation facilities.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
