The UK government has said that it is inclined to approve plans to add a second runway at London’s Gatwick Airport but is pushing back a deadline for a final decision on the matter until October.
The UK’s Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander said in a statement that she had issued a "minded to approve" letter for Gatwick's plan to bring its second runway into full use but said the decision to push back the final deadline was due to considerations around public transport and noise level issues.
The airport, which is located around 30 miles south of London in West Sussex, said it welcomed this announcement from the transport minister.
“It is vital that any planning conditions attached to the final approval enable us to make a decision to invest £2.2bn ($2.8bn) in this project and realise the full benefits of bringing the northern runway into routine use,” said Stewart Wingate, chief executive officer, London Gatwick.
This £2.2bn ($2.8bn) investment will go towards Gatwick's plan is to move its back-up runway, which Is currently utilised as a taxiway, by 12 metres in order to meet safety standards for both runways to operate. This will be funded privately.
This announcement also follows recent government backing for a third runway at London’s Heathrow Airport, with plans for this set to be submitted to the UK government this summer.
A final decision on an expansion at Gatwick will be made by October 27, 2025.