Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has signed off on a second runway at London Gatwick Airport, a £2.2 billion ($2.96 billion) project that is one of the country’s biggest infrastructure projects in years. The privately funded project is only one piece of the government’s broader strategy to promote economic growth. Gatwick is UK’s second busiest airport.
The project includes the Northern Runway currently in use by Gatwick being moved 12 metres to be within the safety rules so that it can operate side by side with the main runway. Terminal and improvement work are included in the project. Currently the runway is used taxiing or reserve purpose only, could be fully operational by the end of the decade.
Jobs and Growth at the Forefront
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the expansion would generate “thousands of jobs and billions in investment,” framing it as a cornerstone of the government’s “get Britain building again” agenda. Gatwick estimates the scheme will support 14,000 new jobs, boost trade and tourism, and increase its flight capacity from 280,000 annually to nearly 389,000 by the late 2030s. Passenger numbers could eventually double to 80 million a year.
The second runway could be operational in 2029.
The second runway project at London Gatwick Airport comes alongside Heathrow’s ongoing and planned multi-billion-pound efforts to upgrade existing infrastructure and lay the groundwork for a future third runway.
Environmental and Local Concerns
While the project has strong political backing, environmentalists opposed it. The announcement was described by the Green Party as a “disaster,” according to the impact of increased air traffic and emissions. Planning inspectors raised noise, congestion, and other local effects concerns earlier this year.
To address these issues, Gatwick has pledged to stricter conditions, including louder noise controls, insulation grants for homes in the area, and an assurance that at least 54% of passengers use public transport on the runway’s opening day. The airport must also contribute towards triple-glazing for residents that are bothered as well as stamp duty and part-moving expenses for people who relocate.
Transport Commitments
Reaching the target for public transport will depend on third-party collaboration, including that of the Department for Transport. Gatwick has included restoring the entire Gatwick Express service, reduced from four trains an hour before the pandemic to two since 2022, as an important part of the scheme.
Europe’s Busiest Single-Runway Airport
Handling over 40 million passengers every year, Gatwick is already the busiest single-runway airport in Europe. The addition of the second runway in the future will reshape its position in the UK air transport system to accommodate more short-haul flights from the Northern Runway, reserving the main runway for higher long-haul operations.
Project Factsheet: Gatwick’s Second Runway
Project Cost: £2.2 billion ($2.96 billion), privately financed
Runway Works: Shifting Northern Runway 12 metres to bring it into full operation
Capacity Increase: From 280,000 flights annually to 389,000 by late 2030s
Passenger Growth: From 40 million currently to a projected 80 million a year
Job Creation: 14,000 new jobs expected
Timeline: Full operation anticipated by the end of the decade; possibly by 2029
Noise Mitigation: Enhanced insulation program; Gatwick to cover triple-glazing costs; relocation support for affected homeowners
Public Transport Goal: 54% of passengers to travel via public transport; reinstatement of full Gatwick Express service required
Extra Flights: 40,000 more flights allowed before second runway opens, rising to 70,000 additional flights once operational
