A second runway at Gatwick Airport has received final approval to proceed after a judicial review by an environmental campaign group was dismissed by appeal judges. The decision ends an eight-year planning and legal dispute, paving the way for an estimated £1 billion economic boost and the creation of 14,000 jobs.
The expansion project, a £2.2 billion scheme, is expected to increase the West Sussex airport's capacity by 100,000 flights annually, positioning it to handle approximately 13 million more passengers per year. This increase is anticipated to enhance travel choices for holidaymakers and strengthen global business connections, according to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
"This is a major milestone for Gatwick and for local communities, with expansion unlocking investment and creating thousands of new jobs," Alexander stated. "We’ll back expansion that supports growth and our climate goals. To drive forward sustainable change, we’re also investing over £219m for green fuel production to cut emissions from flying and secure the future of aviation."
The airport's chief executive, Pierre-Hugues Schmit, described the court ruling as the conclusion of a "carefully tested and scrutinised" process. He added that the airport can now move forward with the "design and delivery phase" of the project. The development will involve relocating the emergency take-off strip 12 meters to the north, which airport officials indicate will cause minimal disruption to ongoing operations.
Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (Cagne) had challenged the Department for Transport's approval, arguing that the potential climate impact of the scheme was not adequately assessed. However, a High Court judge previously ruled that it was not illogical for the development to be approved despite its potential impact on carbon reduction targets. Cagne's subsequent appeal to the Court of Appeal was dismissed by Lord Justice Holgate and Lord Justice Dove, who found the grounds of appeal to be unarguable and without a real prospect of success.