UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved London Gatwick Airport's second runway. The £2.2bn project, funded privately, is expected to add 40,000 flights per year before the second runway opens and an additional 70,000 annually upon completion.
The plan involves moving the northern runway 12 metres to the north, which essentially allows for it to be used for regular operations and to run in tandem with the main runway. Currently, the northern runway is only used when the main runway is out of use. The second runway is expected to be ready for operational use by the end of the decade.
Gatwick's private operator VINCI Airports said the approval follows a "lengthy and rigorous planning process".
VINCI Airports managing director for the UK Stewart Wingate commented: “This is another important gateway in the planning process for this £2.2bn investment, which is fully funded by our shareholders and will unlock significant growth, tourism and trade benefits for London Gatwick and the UK and create thousands of jobs.”
Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce Shevaun Haviland said the approval “creates a clear flight path for economic growth”.
Wingate said the airport will now need to “carefully examine” the planning consent and will provide further details after.
The approval follows London Heathrow submitting its detailed expansion plan — including a third runway — in early August this year, with the project costing £49bn. The UK government had approved the airport's plans for a third runway.