Gatwick Airport's £2.2 Billion Northern Runway Project Gets Final UK Approval

London Gatwick Airport has received official government approval for a major expansion. The £2.2 billion Northern Runway Project will significantly increase the airport’s capacity. The UK Transport Secretary granted development consent in September 2025. This decision allows the UK's second-busiest airport to begin construction.

The Northern Runway Project

Gatwick is currently the busiest single-runway airport in the world. The expansion does not involve building a brand-new runway. Instead, it repurposes the existing Northern Runway. This runway is currently used only as a taxiway or standby strip. The plan requires moving the runway’s center line 12 meters north. This change will allow for simultaneous use with the main Southern Runway. This will enable dual runway operations for the first time. The project is entirely privately financed.

Capacity and Economic Benefits

The UK airport expansion plans are set to deliver a large increase in passenger capacity. The goal is to accommodate up to 80 million passengers per annum. This is a major jump from the airport's previous capacity of about 45 million. The project is expected to be operational by 2029. It will allow for an additional 100,000 flights each year.

This increased capacity will benefit airlines like easyJet and British Airways. It will allow more narrow-bodied aircraft movements, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. The expansion also includes necessary terminal extensions and ancillary facilities. The development is forecast to create 14,000 new jobs. It is projected to generate up to £1 billion in extra economic activity annually. The government called the plan a "no-brainer for growth".

Legal and Environmental Challenges

Despite the approval, the £2.2 billion Northern Runway Project faces a legal challenge. The campaign group Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE) is pursuing a judicial review. This legal challenge was scheduled to be heard in the High Court in January 2026. CAGNE argues the decision was flawed. They cite gaps in the environmental assessment of the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway.

Concerns include the climate change impacts of the extra runway. The assessment of non-carbon dioxide emissions is also a key issue. The group also questions the plan's reliance on the UK's Jet Zero Strategy. This strategy assumes ambitious improvements in aviation fuel efficiency. The legal battle highlights the tension between economic growth and environmental goals. Stakeholders across commercial aviation news will watch the court proceedings closely. The outcome could set a precedent for future UK airport expansion plans.

This project is vital to maintaining London's global connectivity. It ensures the London airport system has greater resilience to disruption. The expansion is a key step in meeting growing passenger demand.