The British government has approved a £2.2 billion ($2.96 billion) plan to bring a second runway into regular use at London Gatwick Airport, in a significant move to expand the nation’s aviation capacity.
The project, announced Sunday by the Department for Transport, involves converting Gatwick’s existing northern standby runway into a fully operational second runway, with completion expected by the early 2030s. The development is aimed at meeting growing passenger demand and boosting regional economic growth.
“After a lengthy and rigorous planning process, we welcome the government’s approval of plans to bring our Northern Runway into routine use,” said Steven Wingate, Managing Director of VINCI Airports, which holds a majority stake in Gatwick. “This project will increase resilience, reduce delays, and deliver thousands of jobs and new trade opportunities.”
The approved scheme includes realigning the northern runway by 12 metres to meet international safety standards, allowing it to operate alongside the airport’s main runway. The airport estimates the project could create up to 14,000 new jobs and deliver a significant economic uplift for the region and the wider UK economy.
The investment is expected to be funded entirely by Gatwick’s shareholders, which include VINCI Airports and Global Infrastructure Partners.
“It is essential that planning conditions remain practical and enable us to realise the full benefits of this project,” Wingate said.
The expansion plan has drawn criticism from environmental groups and local communities, who argue that increasing airport capacity undermines the UK’s climate targets. Legal challenges are anticipated.
Government officials defended the decision, citing progress in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and cleaner aircraft technology, which they say will help offset environmental impacts.
A Department for Transport spokesperson said the approval followed “a robust planning process” and emphasized that environmental considerations were carefully weighed.
The decision aligns with the government’s broader strategy to enhance national aviation infrastructure, which includes ongoing support for a third runway at Heathrow Airport.
With air traffic expected to rise in the coming decades, ministers say expanding airport capacity is essential to maintaining Britain’s status as a global transport hub.
