The UK government has announced that it is “minded to approve” the introduction of a second runway at Gatwick Airport, signaling a potential move forward for the project.
In a statement addressed to MPs, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander backed the broad principle of using the airport’s emergency runway for routine flights.
However, she extended the final decision deadline until October, saying that further details need to be carefully considered before a final decision is made.
Extended Deadline for Final Decision on Gatwick Expansion
Heidi Alexander explained that the delay in making a final decision is due to the complexity of the issue, as there are some provisions from the development consent order (DCO) that still need to be reviewed.
The final decision, originally expected sooner, has now been pushed back to October 27, 2025, allowing more time for consultation with all parties involved.
Alexander emphasized that the extension is not an indication of any bias but rather a necessary step to ensure all viewpoints are thoroughly considered.
Disagreement on Airport Expansion Among Government Officials
While Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has signaled her support for expanding Gatwick, there are differences of opinion within the government.
Net Zero Secretary Ed Miliband, for instance, has expressed more caution about airport expansion, stressing that it can only move forward if the UK meets its carbon emission targets.
On the other hand, Chancellor Rachel Reeves supports expanding key airports like Heathrow, arguing that this is necessary for the country’s economic growth.
The Need for Airport Expansion in the Southeast
Speaking earlier this week at a gathering of aviation leaders, Heidi Alexander highlighted the capacity issues at airports in the Southeast of England, particularly Gatwick.
She explained that Gatwick’s application for development consent was currently “on my desk” and that a decision was imminent.
By allowing the use of Gatwick’s emergency runway for regular flights, the airport could accommodate 100,000 more flights annually, which would ease congestion and increase capacity.
Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Concerns
During her address at the Airlines UK annual dinner, Alexander acknowledged the tension between growing the economy and protecting the environment.
She stated that while airport expansion is essential for economic growth, it should also consider the environmental impact. “I am not some sort of flight-shaming eco-warrior,” she added. “I love flying. I always have.”
Her remarks underscored her belief that both economic growth and environmental protection must go hand in hand when making decisions about airport expansions.
Alexander’s Role in Airport Expansion Decisions
As the decision-maker for various airport expansion plans, Alexander has a tough job ahead of her.
In addition to deciding on Gatwick’s plans, she is also tasked with reviewing Luton Airport’s expansion proposals.
Heathrow, meanwhile, is working on plans for its third runway. Alexander emphasized that her role is to strike a balance between the benefits of increased capacity, such as jobs, trade, and tourism, and the tough questions surrounding climate obligations, noise pollution, and cost-sharing.
Details of Gatwick’s £2.2 Billion Expansion Plan
Gatwick’s £2.2 billion expansion plan involves significant improvements to the airport’s infrastructure.
The emergency runway would be moved 12 meters north, and existing taxiways, terminals, and gates would be extended or remodeled.
The airport also plans to enhance road connections to its terminals, with the construction of flyovers to separate local traffic from airport-bound vehicles.
Additionally, a £250 million renovation of the airport’s railway station was completed in November 2023.
These upgrades are designed to make the airport more efficient and capable of handling a larger volume of flights.
Local Concerns About the Impact of Expansion
While Gatwick’s expansion has been welcomed by some, local campaigners have voiced concerns about the potential negative effects.
These include increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, housing shortages, and wastewater treatment issues.
However, Gatwick maintains that it has conducted thorough assessments to address these concerns and ensure that the expansion is sustainable.
Project Expected to Boost Economic Growth and Job Creation
Gatwick’s proposed expansion is expected to bring significant economic benefits.
The airport estimates that the expansion could generate an additional £1 billion in economic benefits annually and create 14,000 new jobs.
The upgrade to the runway and other infrastructure will allow the airport to handle more flights and accommodate more passengers, boosting its capacity from 45 million passengers annually to 75 million.
The Future of Gatwick’s Runway Expansion
If the project moves forward, Gatwick expects the newly expanded runway to be operational by the end of the decade.
The additional capacity will allow for 10-15 more flights per hour during peak periods, which could increase the total annual number of flights from 280,000 to 380,000.
This would significantly improve Gatwick’s ability to handle passenger traffic and contribute to the UK’s broader airport capacity needs.