Westminster Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has indicated that she is “minded to approve” Gatwick Airport’s proposal for regular use of its Northern Runway, submitted in summer 2023.
A decision was anticipated by the end of September but has been delayed until late October to allow additional adjustments related to noise mitigation and public transport access.
The Planning Inspectorate report suggested approval could occur if Gatwick meets specific targets, such as increasing public transport access among passengers from 44pc in 2023 to 54pc during the first year of dual runway operations.
Gatwick’s plans could lead to £1bn in economic benefits and 14,000 new jobs, while the government aims for a final decision by October 27, 2025.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that the decision regarding Gatwick Airport’s second runway has been extended until the end of October, contingent on meeting environmental conditions.
The initial proposal faced resistance from the Planning Inspectorate, particularly concerning noise prevention and adequate public transport.
Gatwick’s plans, expected to cost £2.2bn, could allow for an additional 100,000 flights annually and create 14,000 jobs; however, the project faces opposition from environmental groups and political challenges.
Ryanair chief executive Eddie Wilson shared: “It’s the airlines that decide on capacity, not the airports. You have increased taxes in England. The project will do nothing to support growth as there was spare capacity already. The best way to boost the economy is by cutting Air Passenger Duty.
Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s chief executive, shared: “We welcome today’s announcement that the Secretary of State for Transport is minded to approve our Northern Runway plans and has outlined a clear pathway to full approval later in the year. It is vital that any planning conditions attached to the final approval enable us to make a decision to invest £2.2bn in this project and realise the full benefits of bringing the Northern Runway into routine use. We will of course engage fully in the extended process for a final decision.”
“We stand ready to deliver this project which will create 14,000 jobs and generate £1bn a year in economic benefits. By increasing resilience and capacity we can support London’s position as a leader in global connectivity and deliver substantial trade and economic growth in the South East and more broadly. We have also outlined to government how we plan to grow responsibly to meet increasing passenger demand, while minimising noise and environmental impacts.”
