Transport Secretary Greenlights Gatwick Airport’s Exciting New Second Runway: What It Means for Travelers

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given the green light for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport. This £2.2 billion project will shift the existing Northern Runway by 12 meters to make it suitable for full use. Along with this, there will be expansions to the terminals.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves believes this plan will create thousands of new jobs and attract billions in investment. However, there’s significant pushback. The Green Party labeled the project a “disaster,” highlighting concerns over its environmental impact and the growing climate crisis.

Gatwick currently handles around 280,000 flights a year. With the expansion, it could manage up to 389,000 by the late 2030s, potentially increasing passenger numbers from 40 million to 80 million annually. The new runway will primarily accommodate short-haul flights, freeing up space on the main runway for long-haul services.

The decision, initially expected in February, faced delays due to concerns regarding noise and traffic impacts. In response, Gatwick has committed to strict noise controls and plans to ensure over half of its passengers use public transport. For instance, they aim to reinstate the full Gatwick Express rail service to connect the airport with London better.

Environmental and community groups are particularly vocal against the expansion. Zack Polanski from the Green Party argues it compounds the climate crisis, while others, like Alex Chapman from the New Economics Foundation, suggest it won’t bring significant economic benefits. Instead, it could just shift jobs from one area to another.

Sally Pavey, chair of Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE), expressed worries about potential noise pollution and air quality decline. She emphasized the need to focus on sustainable transport solutions, moving away from airport expansions that compromise environmental health.

In recent years, airport expansions have gained traction in the UK, with Luton Airport’s expansion approved just this past June. The government also supports a third runway at Heathrow, but that faces even more scrutiny due to its complexity and potential costs.

Public sentiment is mixed. Some see the expansion as a vital economic move, while others fear a negative impact on local communities and the climate. As transport and community leaders engage in this heated debate, the future of Gatwick’s second runway remains a focal point in discussions about sustainable growth in the aviation sector.

For further insights into the implications of these expansions, see the UK Government’s recent report on airport policies.

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