Air, Freight News

Government backs Gatwick two-runway plan

[ February 28, 2025   //   Chris Lewis ]

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said on 27 February that she was “minded to approve” plans to turn London Gatwick into a two-runway airport. The long-standing plans, which are fiercely opposed by some local residents and politicians would involve moving and upgrading the existing secondary northern runway into a fully operational facility.

The £2.5 billion plan could be realised by 2030, although the scheme would need to obtain planning permission.

Gatwick, 26 miles south of central London, is Europe’s busiest single runway airport, and one of the busiest single-runway gateways in the world.

Although Gatwick is one of the UK’s busiest airports for passengers, with around 40 million in 2024, with its preponderance of short-haul, low cost and holiday airlines, its cargo figures lag well behind those of Heathrow – 161,500 versus 1.4 million tonnes. However, an increase in long-haul passenger flights could boost this figure.

In January this year, Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave government backing to a third runway for London Heathrow. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is opposed to the plan, has however questioned whether this would be necessary should Gatwick succeed in developing its second runway.

Tags: Gatwick