Holidaymakers are set to benefit from the approval of plans for a second runway at Gatwick airport, providing a significant boost. This development will result in approximately 100,000 additional flights annually from the airport in West Sussex, catering to up to 80 million passengers. The operationalization of the new runway is anticipated by 2029.
Following extensive discussions on issues such as noise levels and transportation infrastructure, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander endorsed the proposal on a Sunday evening. The £2.2 billion project, funded privately by the airport, will involve the full utilization of its second northern runway, previously designated as a standby runway. This decision comes after the earlier approval of a third runway at Heathrow airport by the Government.
The Gatwick expansion initiative is projected to create 14,000 job opportunities and contribute £1 billion to the regional economy. This move aims to nearly double the airport’s current capacity, having served approximately 43 million passengers last year.
A government official affirmed, “The Transport Secretary has given the green light for Gatwick’s expansion. Addressing capacity limitations that hinder business, trade, and tourism, this expansion is essential for growth. The Government has made unprecedented efforts to facilitate this progress, navigating a complex planning system that will be streamlined with future reforms.
It is conceivable that flights could be operating from the new runway at Gatwick before the upcoming general election. Any airport expansion must adhere to our binding climate change commitments and meet stringent environmental standards.”
The current “Northern Runway” at Gatwick is presently restricted to functioning as a taxiway and a backup when the main runway is inactive. Gatwick submitted a planning application to adjust the centerline of the northern runway to enable dual runway operations.
The decision to approve Gatwick’s second runway was anticipated following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ indication of government support for such an endeavor earlier this year. This aligns with Ms. Reeves’ endorsement of the third runway at Heathrow to enhance Britain’s connectivity for global business operations.
Critics have raised concerns regarding Gatwick’s expansion plans, citing issues such as noise pollution, air quality, the need for additional infrastructure, and strain on local services. In response to reports of the government’s impending approval of the new runway, Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions criticized the decision, emphasizing the disregard for public opinion and the inconsistency with established policies on airport expansion.
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