Chancellor Rachel Reeves has backed Gatwick Airport's £2.2 billion second runway plan, describing it as proof the Government is "backing builders, not blockers". The privately-financed project will move the West Sussex airport's emergency runway 12 metres north, enabling it to handle departures of narrow-bodied planes including Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.
The expansion will allow approximately 100,000 additional flights per year and could create thousands of jobs. Reeves said: "This Government promised to kickstart the economy - and we are. A second runway at Gatwick means thousands of more jobs and billions more in investment for the economy."
The Chancellor positioned the approval as evidence of the Government's commitment to economic growth through infrastructure development. She said: "By slashing red tape and transforming the planning system to get Britain building again we are investing in this country's renewal and building an economy that works for working people."
Government approval and timeline
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given the scheme the go-ahead, with a Government source describing it as a "no-brainer" for economic growth. According to the source, flights could take off from the new full runway before 2029, potentially ahead of the next general election.
The approval comes after the Planning Inspectorate initially rejected the airport's application before recommending approval this year subject to specific changes. Alexander expressed satisfaction with adjustments covering noise mitigation and the proportion of passengers travelling to the airport by public transport.
Economic impact and conditions
Gatwick claims the plans will generate £1 billion per year in economic benefits and create an additional 14,000 jobs. New commitments include the airport setting its own targets for public transport usage rather than accepting a legally binding requirement.
Residents affected by increased noise will be able to request Gatwick cover costs for triple-glazed windows. Homeowners living directly beneath new flight routes who choose to sell could have stamp duty, reasonable moving costs, and estate agent fees up to one per cent of purchase price covered by the airport.
Political and environmental opposition
Local campaigners remain concerned about impacts on surface transport, noise, housing provision and wastewater treatment. Cagne, an umbrella aviation community and environment group for Sussex, Surrey and Kent, said it stands ready to serve a judicial review funded by residents and environmental bodies.
Shadow transport secretary Richard Holden welcomed the decision but criticised Labour for delays, saying: "This decision should have been made months ago. Labour pledged to go 'further and faster' on growth, yet they've dithered and delayed at every turn." Green Party leader Zack Polanski opposed the expansion, saying: "Labour keeps wheeling out the same nonsense about growth, but at what cost? What this really means is more pollution, more noise for local communities, and no real economic benefit."
Industry response
Stewart Wingate, Vinci Airports managing director for the UK and former Gatwick chief executive, welcomed the Government's approval. He said: "After a lengthy and rigorous planning process, we welcome the Government's approval of plans to bring our Northern Runway into routine use, ahead of the expected deadline."
The approval represents another gateway in the planning process for the £2.2 billion investment, which is fully funded by shareholders. Wingate emphasised the need to examine planning consent details carefully before commenting further on implementation plans.
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
