Gatwick's £2.2bn Second Runway Plan Takes Flight: Transport Secretary Gives Green Light

Gatwick Airport Second Runway Plan Approved by Transport Secretary In a significant move for the UK's aviation industry, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given the green light to plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport. The £2.2 billion privately-financed project aims to increase capacity and boost economic growth. The plan involves relocating the current Northern Runway by 12 meters to bring it into regular use, as well as extending the size of terminals. This will enable Gatwick to handle an additional 109,000 flights per year, taking its total to around 389,000 by the late 2030s. The airport currently handles about 280,000 flights annually. A government source described the plans as a "no-brainer for growth," adding that "it is possible that planes could be taking off from a new full runway at Gatwick before the next general election." This development has been welcomed by London Gatwick Airport, which expects the project to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth. Gatwick currently serves over 40 million passengers per year, making it Europe's busiest single-runway airport. The approval of the second runway plan is seen as a major step forward for the airport's expansion plans. Background on the proposal shows that campaigners and groups have long expressed concerns about the impact of the new runway on the surrounding area. However, supporters argue that the project will bring significant economic benefits to the region. Industry experts point out that the UK's aviation industry is facing increasing pressure due to rising demand for air travel. The approval of the second runway plan at Gatwick Airport is seen as a crucial step towards meeting this demand and supporting economic growth. The next steps in the process involve detailed planning and consultation with local stakeholders. Construction is expected to begin in the near future, pending further regulatory approvals. In related news, the UK's aviation industry is also facing scrutiny over its environmental impact. The approval of the second runway plan at Gatwick Airport has sparked renewed debate about the need for sustainable aviation practices. As the UK's aviation industry continues to grow, the implications of this decision will be closely watched by policymakers and industry experts alike. The approval of the second runway plan at Gatwick Airport marks a significant milestone in the development of the UK's aviation sector. Attributions: A government source described the plans as a "no-brainer for growth." London Gatwick Airport expects the project to create jobs and stimulate local economic growth. Industry experts point out that the UK's aviation industry is facing increasing pressure due to rising demand for air travel. *Reporting by Bbc.*