Gatwick runway project clears legal hurdles

LONDON - Gatwick Airport expansion can go ahead upon a High Court ruling that dismissed challenges. Gatwick Airport wants to put its northern runway to full use to increase passenger numbers through the 2030s.

A High Court ruling clears legal hurdles for a major expansion project at London Gatwick Airport.

The northern runway at Gatwick Airport, currently limited to acting as a taxiway, will be developed for full use to accomodate additional traffic.

"Our planning application proposes repositioning the centre line of the Northern Runway 12 metres north to allow dual runway operations, aligning with international safety standards", the airport said back in 2025.

Later on, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander formalized Government approval for the privately financed £2.2 billion infrastructure project.

Gatwick processes about 280,000 flights anually. By the late 2030s Britains second largest airport could handle up to 389,000 flights per year and up to 80 million passengers in a gradual expansion that will 40,000 flights per year before the northern runway opens and 70,000 more in full operation.

An anti-noise group challenged the approval on environmental grounds, but saw its case dismissed.

"We are pleased with High Court ruling to uphold the Government's careful decision to grant planning approval for our Northern Runway Project," Gatwick Airpirt said. We now look forward to turning our plans into reality and will announce further details in due course.”