According to Stewart Wingate, the £2.2bn plan will enhance the air capacity of the south-east at a faster pace compared to the expansion of Heathrow.
The CEO of Gatwick expressed optimism and anticipation that the government will support the airport’s proposal for a second runway. He emphasised that these plans would efficiently increase air capacity in the south-east, surpassing the time it would take for a third runway at Heathrow.
The airport’s CEO, Stewart Wingate, expressed confidence in the £2.2bn plan to build a second runway by the end of the decade, highlighting its strong economic benefits and alignment with the government’s growth agenda.
The northern runway at Gatwick, currently used mainly as a taxiway, is set to undergo a change. The airport plans to shift its centre line 12 metres (39 feet) north, enabling planes to take off while others continue to land on the existing runway. This adjustment will help optimise operations at the busiest single-runway airport in the world.
The scheme will undergo a thorough six-month public examination, which is set to conclude next week. Planning inspectors will then provide a recommendation to the government, and ministers are expected to make a decision in the first half of next year.
During his speech on Thursday, Wingate mentioned the recent government approval of the expansion of City Airport in east London. He noted that Gatwick’s plan aligns with previous government policies that promote the use of existing infrastructure to enhance airport capacity.
According to Wingate, it is anticipated that the government will receive the proposal by the end of November this year. During the three-month deliberation period, Wingate hopes that the government will show its support for the scheme and recognise its benefits.
His remarks were made in response to the Labour government’s decision to approve City Airport’s plan to expand its capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million passengers per year, which has been under scrutiny. The decision received criticism from environmental campaigners and Newham Council, who were against the move.
In July, a spokesperson for Keir Starmer informed the Telegraph that the government did not have a fundamental objection to the construction of new or longer runways or to an increase in air travel.
Nevertheless, it was emphasised that these must adhere to “clear conditions” regarding noise and air pollution, as well as obligations concerning the climate crisis, while also fostering economic growth throughout the nation.
According to Wingate, the new operation is expected to have a significant impact on the economy, with an additional £1bn of GDP and the creation of 14,000 jobs in the region. He believes that these impressive numbers speak for themselves.
According to the proposed plans, there is anticipation of a significant increase in passenger numbers, reaching a staggering 78 million individuals once the second runway is fully operational. Additionally, the number of flights per year is projected to rise to 386,000.
Peter Barclay, who chairs the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, has expressed concern over the potential local impacts, describing them as “devastating.”. He has also criticised the airport for prioritising unsustainable growth for the benefit of its shareholders.
Heathrow, the largest airport in the UK, is currently working on revitalising its plans for a third runway. In July, they made a commitment to release an updated blueprint for this ambitious and costly project.
The two airports were engaged in a highly publicised dispute for parliamentary support regarding their proposals for an additional runway over six years ago. Eventually, in 2018, MPs voted in favour of the expansion of the west London airport. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on passenger numbers and the subsequent decrease in demand for additional capacity, the project has experienced delays.
Wingate did not provide any information on whether a second runway at Gatwick would eliminate the necessity for a runway at Heathrow. According to him, Gatwick’s dedication to developing its plan during the pandemic has paid off, as it is now in an advanced stage with the travel industry’s recovery.
He stated, “From a Gatwick perspective, we are fully prepared.” If we receive the government’s decision, we can move forward and have the northern runway ready by the end of the decade.
The government spokesperson emphasised their dedication to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the UK’s aviation industry.
However, any proposals for expansion must show their contribution to economic growth while also aligning with current environmental obligations.