Gatwick Airport Secures £2.2 Billion Second Runway Approval from Transport Secretary

Transport Secretary Approves Gatwick Airport Second Runway Plan LONDON - Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given the green light to a £2.2 billion plan to build a second runway at London Gatwick Airport, marking a significant step towards increasing air travel capacity in the UK. The privately-financed project involves relocating the existing Northern Runway by 12 meters and expanding terminal facilities. According to Gatwick Airport, this will enable the airport to handle an additional 109,000 flights per year, bringing the total number of annual departures to around 389,000 by the late 2030s. "This is a major boost for economic growth in the UK," said Chancellor Rachel Reeves. "The second runway at Gatwick will create thousands of jobs and attract billions of pounds in investment." However, not everyone welcomes the decision. The Green Party has expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the project, describing it as a "disaster" that will exacerbate air pollution and noise disturbance for local residents. Gatwick Airport is currently Europe's busiest single-runway airport, handling around 280,000 flights per year. The new runway is expected to be operational by the late 2030s, with some estimates suggesting that planes could take off from a full new runway at Gatwick before the next general election. The decision to approve the second runway plan follows years of debate and opposition. Environmental groups have long argued that expanding airport capacity will only lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. In contrast, supporters of the project argue that it is essential for economic growth and job creation. "This is a no-brainer for growth," said a government source. "It's a vital step towards getting Britain building again." The approval of the Gatwick second runway plan comes as the UK government seeks to boost economic growth and investment in key infrastructure projects. The decision is likely to have significant implications for the aviation industry, with potential knock-on effects for air travel capacity across the country. As the project moves forward, it remains to be seen how the concerns of local residents and environmental groups will be addressed. One thing is certain: the expansion of Gatwick Airport will be a major development that will shape the future of air travel in the UK. Background: The proposal for a second runway at Gatwick Airport was first submitted in 2018, but it has faced significant opposition from local residents and environmental groups. The project involves relocating the existing Northern Runway by 12 meters and expanding terminal facilities to increase capacity. Additional Perspectives: Critics of the decision argue that it will only lead to increased air pollution and noise disturbance for local residents. "This is a disaster for our community," said a spokesperson for the Green Party. "We will continue to fight against this project." Current Status: The £2.2 billion plan has been approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, with construction expected to begin in the coming months. Next Developments: The project is expected to be completed by the late 2030s, with some estimates suggesting that planes could take off from a full new runway at Gatwick before the next general election. *Reporting by Bbc.*