Air, Freight News


Gatwick gets go-ahead for second runway – updated

[ September 22, 2025   //   ]

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has approved plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport.

The £2.2bn scheme would involve moving the existing standby Northern Runway 12 metres to allow it to be used for regular flights simultaneously with the existing runway.

Gatwick is currently Europe’s busiest single-runway airport and the second runway would allow it to increase annual flights from the current 280,000 to some 390,000 by the late 2030s.

The second runway would be used for short haul flights, freeing up the existing runway up for more long-haul services.

Logistics UK senior policy manager Alexandra Herdman commented: “Gatwick is currently the busiest single runway airport in Europe and modifying the existing standby runway to develop a fully operational second runway, is a practical and efficient way to increase capacity. 

“Almost two thirds of the UK’s air cargo moves in passenger aircraft, sitting underneath seats in the bellyhold, and can make the difference between a profitable and a non-profitable route for a passenger airline.  This type of freight also tends to be high-value, time-sensitive goods such as manufacturing components and pharmaceuticals so is essential to keep the UK trading and supply chains moving. 

“By increasing passenger services, it is highly likely this will also provide increased air cargo, with some reports suggesting air cargo tonnage could double, helping address the significant shortage of air cargo capacity in the South East and boosting the economy by making international connections for UK businesses even easier.”

In 2024, Gatwick handled 104,000 tonnes of cargo, making it the UK’s fourth busiest airport, though it was some way behind third-placed Stansted’s 294,000 tonnes.

Managing director ramp and gateways at FedEx Europe, Alun Cornish, said: “We welcome the Transport Secretary’s support for Gatwick’s expansion, we’ve seen first hand how vital air cargo is to Britain’s growth – helping businesses in the South East expand overseas and tap into global markets. Air connectivity isn’t just a convenience; it’s the backbone of international trade and economic strength. We support appropriate airport expansion to deliver economic growth to the UK, but to unlock its full potential, cargo growth must remain a priority alongside passenger flights.”

British International Freight Association (BIFA) director general, Steve Parker also welcomed the news that the £2.2 billion second runway project had secured government approval. He said it was another important step in the planning process, but he noted that the project could be delayed if the Gatwick scheme is subject to a judicial review.
He added: “The airport has become an increasingly important hub for air cargo and volumes are expected to climb sharply once the second runway is operational.”

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