Gatwick Second Runway Plan Given Go-Ahead By Government

Gatwick Airport’s £2.2 billion second runway scheme has received government approval, clearing the way for a major expansion at the UK’s second busiest hub.

Under the privately financed project, the West Sussex airport will shift its existing emergency runway 12 metres north so it can be used regularly for narrow-bodied aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The move is expected to add around 100,000 flights annually and could see departures from the upgraded runway before 2029.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the project as a “no-brainer” for economic growth, with ministers highlighting potential benefits for trade, tourism and jobs. Gatwick estimates the scheme could generate £1 billion per year for the economy and create up to 14,000 jobs.

The decision follows earlier planning hurdles, with inspectors initially rejecting the application before recommending approval once the airport made changes on issues such as noise mitigation and passenger transport. Adjustments include a commitment to fund triple glazing for affected residents, and compensation packages for homeowners directly under new flight paths who choose to move.

Campaign groups remain strongly opposed. Community and environmental organisations argue the expansion will increase pollution, strain transport networks and worsen the housing shortage. CAGNE, a coalition of local groups, has said it is preparing for a possible judicial review.

Environmental critics, including the Green Party, warn the plan is incompatible with climate goals. Green leader Zack Polanski described the decision as a “disaster” that ignores climate science.

Despite opposition, Gatwick’s operator Vinci Airports welcomed the approval, calling it the outcome of a “lengthy and rigorous” process. Former Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate said the £2.2bn investment, funded entirely by shareholders, would unlock new opportunities for growth while boosting the UK’s connectivity.

For project managers, the development illustrates the scale of risk and complexity in major infrastructure programmes, from planning delays and environmental challenges to stakeholder management. The Gatwick scheme will be closely watched as a case study in balancing economic ambition with environmental scrutiny.