Gatwick has revealed plans to use its emergency runway for routine flights.
Under the plan, Gatwick says it plans to meet demand in the most sustainable way possible in the next 15 years. The airport said it will seek planning permission to widen the airstrip in order to bring it into full passenger use by the mid-2020s.
The "master plan", set to be initiated by Gatwick, would see the emergency runway widened by 12m (39ft) to comply with safety regulations and used for departures only.
London Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: “The plans would deliver additional capacity for Gatwick, which will provide choices for the future – including incrementally growing our airport to meet demand and continuing to provide solid operational performance for passengers and airlines. This would be the biggest private investment for the region in the coming years, which would result in significant local economic benefits, including new jobs for the area."
The plans are set to face strong opposition from both MPs and campaigners.