Transport secretary backs £2.2bn expansion plan, but approval remains pending until October

Gatwick Airport has been given provisional approval to operate a second runway after the government outlined a pathway for expansion at London’s second-largest airport.

While the final decision has been postponed until late October, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has issued a “minded to approve” letter, indicating potential backing for the £2.2bn project. If approved, the expansion could add over 100,000 flights per year at the West Sussex airport.

Despite planning inspectors initially advising against the scheme, they suggested it could proceed if conditions regarding noise levels and public transport accessibility were met. The proposal involves modifying an emergency runway and taxiway to function alongside the existing main runway.

Alexander had been due to announce her decision this week but has instead set a new deadline of 24 April for Gatwick to agree to additional conditions. The government will then make its final ruling by 27 October.

A government source stated, “The transport secretary has laid out steps towards approving Gatwick’s expansion after the planning inspectorate recommended rejecting the original application. This development will bring significant business advantages and represents a win for holidaymakers. However, it must align with legal, environmental, and climate obligations.”

Gatwick’s chief executive, Stewart Wingate, welcomed the update, describing it as a “clear pathway to full approval later in the year.” He emphasised that any conditions imposed must allow the airport to justify the £2.2bn investment and maximise the benefits of bringing the northern runway into routine use. Gatwick claims the expansion will create 14,000 jobs and generate £1bn annually for the economy.

However, local campaigners and environmental groups have expressed strong opposition. Concerns extend beyond carbon emissions and noise pollution to issues such as housing demands, wastewater management, and potential traffic congestion.

Peter Barclay, chair of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, criticised the government’s stance, accusing ministers of ignoring misleading economic claims made by the airport and neglecting climate concerns. Rosie Downes, head of campaigns at Friends of the Earth, described the government’s approach as “bewildering” given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events worldwide.

Gatwick first launched the expansion proposal in 2018 after losing to Heathrow in a bid for government approval. The Labour government, particularly Chancellor Rachel Reeves, has shown strong support for the aviation industry’s growth despite environmental concerns. Meanwhile, Heathrow is preparing to submit plans for a third runway this summer, and Luton Airport is awaiting ministerial approval for its own expansion in April.