Gatwick Airport’s Second Runway - Plans Move Forward

Second-busiest airport in the U.K.

Gatwick Airport is one of the United Kingdom’s busiest aviation hubs. The proposal for a second runway at Gatwick has been a subject of considerable debate, reflecting both the growing demand for air travel in the region and the airport’s strategic ambitions.  Gatwick has operated with a single main runway, by some measures the busiest in the world, which has constrained its ability to expand capacity and compete with other major international airports.

The Airport has planned for a second runway to: -

1. Address the rising passenger numbers that consistently push the limits of its existing infrastructure. By constructing a second runway, Gatwick aims to boost its annual passenger capacity, minimize delays, and attract new airlines and routes.
2. This expansion is also promoted to maintain Gatwick’s commercial success but also for supporting the broader UK economy by facilitating trade, tourism, and job creation in the surrounding region.

The Airport has sought to include Environmental considerations and community impact in shaping the plans. The airport has outlined commitments to sustainable development, including measures to reduce noise pollution and carbon emissions. Extensive consultations have been held with local stakeholders to balance growth objectives with environmental stewardship and community well-being.

In summary, the drive for a second runway at Gatwick is rooted in the need for increased airport capacity, economic growth, and international competitiveness, balanced with sustainability and community interests. 

The Plan

The centrepiece of Gatwick Airport’s expansion strategy involves transforming its existing emergency (Northern) runway into a fully operational, permanent second runway. This project is designed to unlock additional capacity by allowing the airport to operate dual runways for the first time in its modern history.

The plan entails repositioning the emergency runway further north to meet international safety requirements and to facilitate its use for routine departures alongside the main runway. Essential works include the widening and strengthening of the runway itself, the installation of new taxiways, and the upgrading of navigation and lighting systems. These enhancements will enable the second runway to support a range of aircraft types and increase the frequency of take-offs and landings.

The project comprises of the amendment of Gatwick Airport to support dual runway operations through the routine use of the existing northern runway and to accommodate up to 80 million passengers per annum. The development will include amendments to taxiways, terminal extensions and ancillary facilities, highways and rivers; as well as temporary construction works, mitigation works and other associated development. 

Currently, Gatwick Airport’s second runway development is progressing through detailed planning and regulatory approval stages. The airport has submitted its Development Consent Order (DCO) application, which encompasses technical assessments, environmental studies, and public consultation feedback. If granted approval, construction could commence within the next few years, with the new runway operational by the end of the decade. The project includes upgrades to terminal facilities, transportation links, and airfield infrastructure to accommodate the expected increase in flights and passengers.

Status of Planning

The airport has submitted its Development Consent Order (DCO) application in July 20023, which provided technical assessments, environmental studies, and public consultation feedback.  The project includes upgrades to terminal facilities, transportation links, and airfield infrastructure to accommodate the expected increase in flights and passengers.

The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by Gatwick Airport Limited, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State in November 2024.   

The application has been granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport in September 2025. Detailed planning is underway, construction could commence within the next few years, with the new runway operational by the end of the decade.

Impact on Guildford.

Development at Gatwick is to be consented on the the premise that the airport encourages a far higher proportion of workers and travellers to access the airport by public transport.  One obvious pressure will be to improve the service provided by the North Downs Line.

Housing demand may increase as Guildford is an attractive location for airline workers who may switch from being based out of Gatwick to be being Heathrow based.

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