Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given the green light for a £2.2bn expansion of Gatwick Airport, approving plans to bring its second runway into regular use. The project, billed as a major boost for jobs and growth, has been hailed by ministers but condemned by environmental groups.
A boost for jobs and growth
The scheme will see Gatwick’s existing Northern Runway shifted 12 metres, enabling it to operate alongside the airport’s main runway. Terminals will be extended and capacity expanded to allow up to 389,000 flights a year by the late 2030s – an increase of more than 100,000 on current levels.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves, speaking at the airport, said the investment would be “a no-brainer for growth”, delivering thousands of jobs and billions in private finance. “Families will benefit from lower holiday costs, businesses from increased connectivity, and communities from well-paid jobs,” she said.
A government source suggested planes could be taking off from the upgraded runway before the next general election, expected in 2029.
Noise, traffic and climate concerns
But critics argue the expansion undermines Britain’s climate commitments. Green Party leader Zack Polanski called the move “a disaster”, accusing Labour of “ignoring basic climate science in the name of growth”.
Environmental groups including Greenpeace and Stay Grounded also criticised the decision, warning it would drive up carbon emissions, noise and air pollution.
Local campaigners raised concerns about traffic congestion and quality of life for communities around the airport. Sally Pavey, from Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions, said the scheme was “a cocktail of a nightmare” and suggested a judicial review could follow.
New conditions for expansion
To address concerns, Gatwick has agreed to stricter conditions. These include enhanced noise insulation, covering the cost of triple-glazing for affected homes, and contributing to stamp duty and moving costs for the worst-affected residents.
The airport must also ensure 54% of passengers travel by public transport once the runway opens. If this is not achieved, car journeys to the airport will be capped at 24 million per year.
Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s chief executive, said the airport was committed to working with government and rail operators to boost public transport access. “Before the pandemic, we had trains every three minutes to London. We need to get back to that frequency and beyond,” he said.
Political and industry reaction
While Labour ministers framed the decision as part of a wider “get Britain building” agenda, opposition parties voiced scepticism. Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said local communities were being ignored and called instead for “massive investment” in clean aviation technology.
Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden backed the expansion as a “vital step towards growth” but criticised Labour for delaying approval.
Business leaders in the Gatwick Diamond region welcomed the decision, arguing it would attract fresh investment and boost the local economy.
Wider airport expansion debate
Gatwick joins a growing list of UK airports pursuing expansion. Luton was granted permission to expand earlier this year, while the government has also expressed support for a third runway at Heathrow – though that remains politically contentious and logistically complex.
Supporters of Gatwick’s project insist it will not undermine Heathrow’s status as the UK’s main international hub.
For now, Gatwick says its focus is on meeting climate conditions, expanding sustainably, and preparing for an influx of passengers that could push annual numbers towards 80 million.
