London Gatwick airport has secured UK government approval to introduce a second runway to routine use, enabling it to increase annual passenger capacity to 80 million.
But its operator states that it will have to study the consent order to ensure that the project remains viable.
Gatwick has two runways, but routinely uses only the main 08R/26L. The shorter parallel 08L/26R, located to the north, is used as a taxiway – and only employed as a runway if the main one is closed for maintenance.
Under the application the northern runway would be altered by shifting the centreline 12m to the north, which would enable it to comply with dual-runway safety standards and lift restrictions on its use.
The work would also involve upgrading infrastructure – including taxiways, terminals and other facilities – to accommodate the increase in passengers.
Approval of the application – originally filed in July 2023 – was granted on 21 September.
Vinci Airports operates Gatwick. Its managing director for the UK, Stewart Wingate, says the “lengthy and rigorous” planning process has delivered an approval “ahead of the expected deadline”.
But he adds that the operator will have to “carefully examine the details” of the planning consent.
“It is essential that any planning conditions enable us to realise the full benefits of the project and do not impose unnecessary constraints that make it uneconomic to invest in,” he states.
UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander says expanding Gatwick is “the right thing to do”.
“Along with new jobs for the area, this project will bring significant national economic benefits,” she adds.
Expansion plans for a third runway at London Heathrow have also recently been submitted for government consideration.
