"Transport Secretary Greenlights £2.2 Billion Gatwick Runway Expansion"

Gatwick Airport Secures £2.2 Billion Second Runway Approval from Transport Secretary The UK government has given the green light to a £2.2 billion project to build a second runway at Gatwick Airport, marking a significant step towards increasing London's airport capacity. According to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, the approval of the plan will enable the airport to handle an additional 109,000 flights per year by the late 2030s. The expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract billions in investment, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the plans would bring "thousands of jobs and billions in investment". However, the project has faced opposition from environmental groups who warn it will exacerbate air pollution and climate change. The Green Party described the decision as a "disaster". The new runway is part of a £2.2 billion privately-financed project that involves moving the current Northern Runway 12 metres to bring it into regular use, as well as extending the size of terminals. Gatwick currently handles about 280,000 flights a year and says the plan would allow that number to increase. The approval of the second runway at Gatwick Airport is part of the government's efforts to boost economic growth opportunities. The project is expected to be operational before the next general election, which is scheduled for 2025. According to experts, the expansion will not only benefit the local economy but also contribute to the UK's global competitiveness. Environmental groups have expressed concerns about the impact of the new runway on air pollution and climate change. "This decision is a disaster for our planet," said a spokesperson for the Green Party. "We need to be reducing emissions, not increasing them." The approval of the second runway at Gatwick Airport has been welcomed by airport officials who see it as an opportunity to increase capacity and attract more business. "This is a major milestone for Gatwick Airport and we are committed to delivering this project," said a spokesperson for the airport. In conclusion, the UK government's approval of the £2.2 billion second runway at Gatwick Airport marks a significant step towards increasing London's airport capacity. While the expansion is expected to create thousands of jobs and attract billions in investment, environmental groups have expressed concerns about its impact on air pollution and climate change. The project is expected to be operational before the next general election and will contribute to the UK's global competitiveness. Sources: BBC Business: Gatwick second runway plan approved by transport secretary BBC Business: Gatwick Airport Secures £2.2 Billion Second Runway Approval from Transport Secretary This story was compiled from reports by BBC Business and BBC Business.