Gatwick Secures Approval for £2.2bn Second Runway Expansion

Published: 22 September ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Gatwick Airport has received the green light for its ambitious £2.2 billion second runway project, following approval from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. The decision marks a significant step for the West Sussex airport, which aims to increase its capacity by 100,000 flights annually, promising major economic and employment benefits.

The expansion plan, which is privately financed, involves moving Gatwick’s emergency runway 12 metres north. This adjustment will allow the runway to handle departures of narrow-bodied aircraft such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s, significantly boosting operational flexibility. The new infrastructure is expected to create approximately 14,000 jobs and generate up to £1 billion in additional economic activity, reinforcing Gatwick’s strategic role in national and international air travel.

Government sources described the approval as a “no-brainer” for economic growth, with flights potentially operating from the full new runway as early as 2029. Alexander expressed confidence in the project’s environmental and logistical adjustments, which include measures to mitigate noise and targets aimed at increasing the proportion of passengers travelling to and from the airport via public transport. While these “mode share” targets are not legally binding, officials say they demonstrate Gatwick’s commitment to balancing expansion with environmental responsibility.

The Planning Inspectorate initially rejected Gatwick’s application but recommended approval after modifications were made, particularly addressing community and environmental concerns. To further alleviate the impact on local residents, Gatwick and its funders have proposed compensation measures. These could include contributions toward triple-glazing, moving costs, and stamp duty for households affected by increased noise levels. Officials believe these arrangements, combined with rigorous environmental assessments, will withstand potential legal challenges from campaign groups.

Despite the backing from the government, the decision has sparked mixed reactions across the political spectrum. Richard Holden, the shadow transport secretary, welcomed the approval, describing it as a “vital step towards driving economic growth, improving connectivity, and strengthening Britain’s position on the global stage.” He added, however, that the decision should have been made months earlier to prevent unnecessary delays in boosting the country’s aviation capacity.

Conversely, Zack Polanski, leader of the Green Party, criticised the move as a “disaster” that overlooks fundamental climate science. He warned that the expansion would exacerbate pollution, increase noise levels for local communities, and fail to deliver meaningful economic benefits. Environmental campaigners have echoed these concerns, raising questions about the impact on surface transport, housing, wastewater treatment, and carbon emissions.

Local advocacy groups such as Cagne, which represents aviation, community, and environmental interests in Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, have expressed their intent to pursue a judicial review. The group accused the government and airport authorities of failing to hold Gatwick accountable for the environmental consequences of the expansion. Similarly, the Stay Grounded campaign and Friends of the Earth have highlighted the project’s potential to worsen climate extremes, such as floods, droughts, and wildfires, emphasising the tension between economic growth and environmental sustainability.

This approval comes amid broader debates over airport expansions across the UK. In July, Heathrow submitted plans for a third runway as part of a £50 billion investment, which the government insists could create 100,000 jobs and boost national growth. Gatwick’s two-mile (3.2 km) runway expansion will intersect a diverted section of the M25 motorway and is projected to enable over 750 additional flights per day, increasing annual passenger capacity to 150 million.

Government sources have stressed that the expansion will proceed in accordance with legally binding climate commitments. Alexander has indicated that the project reflects a balance between economic necessity and environmental considerations, demonstrating a careful approach to infrastructure development in the aviation sector. Officials have also noted that the project will navigate the UK’s complex planning system, which has been historically slow and bureaucratic, but reforms are underway to streamline future large-scale infrastructure projects.

The Gatwick expansion represents a high-stakes test of the UK’s ability to expand aviation infrastructure while meeting environmental targets and maintaining public support. As the project progresses, local communities, environmental organisations, and policymakers will closely monitor its impacts on noise pollution, air quality, and transport networks, making the coming years a critical period for both regional development and sustainable aviation in Britain.