UK Government Gives Provisional Backing to Second Runway at Gatwick Airport

03 de marzo de 2025 - 16:15

Ads

The UK government has given its provisional support for the construction of a second runway at Gatwick Airport, the country's second-busiest airport, provided certain conditions—such as noise reduction—are met. The decision has sparked criticism from environmental groups.

Ads

In a statement, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her inclination to approve the project, which involves shifting Gatwick’s northern reserve runway, currently used for taxiing and backup operations.

The original plan, initially rejected and later reviewed by planning inspectors, could face a delay of up to nine months before receiving final approval.

Under the new conditions, at least 50% of passengers traveling through Gatwick must use public transport. Additionally, the airport will need to implement measures to mitigate noise impact.

Located about 65 kilometers south of London, Gatwick serves more than 40 million passengers annually and is the busiest single-runway airport in the UK, second only to Heathrow in total operations.

Ads

Safety Standards and Runway Adjustments

To meet international safety standards, the project involves shifting the emergency runway 12 meters north of the main runway. This would allow it to be used for takeoffs by narrow-body aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

Investment and Economic Benefits

The expansion, which will be privately funded with an estimated budget of £2.2 billion ($2.8 billion), could be completed before the end of the decade if construction begins this year.

The project is expected to increase the airport’s capacity by 100,000 additional flights per year, bringing the total to over 380,000 annual operations. Additionally, it is projected to create 14,000 jobs and generate an economic boost of £1 billion ($1.26 billion) annually.

Gatwick, whose majority shareholder is French company VINCI Airports, has until April 24 to formally respond to the new conditions. The government's final decision is expected soon after, though the deadline has been extended to October 27.

Reactions and Environmental Debate

Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate welcomed the government’s preliminary backing, stating that the airport would actively engage in the approval process.

"By strengthening our capacity and operational resilience, we can solidify the UK's position as a key global connectivity hub and contribute to regional and national economic growth," he said.

However, environmental groups have voiced strong opposition. Greenpeace UK criticized the government's stance, arguing that airport expansion would not drive economic growth but instead increase air pollution, noise, and carbon emissions.

"This decision appears to be an act of desperation that ignores the evidence on aviation’s environmental impact," said Doug Parr, Policy Director at Greenpeace UK.

The announcement comes just weeks after the government approved the construction of a third runway at Heathrow, as part of its strategy to boost economic growth in the country.