The airport has commenced deliberations to utilise a dual airstrip system
Gatwick Airport has announced the beginning of its public consultation on plans to bring its existing northern runway into use alongside its main strip.
If the proposal is approved, departing aircraft would be able to make use of the runway by repositioning its centre line further north by 12 metres. This would help create a dual system that would allow both air strips to operate simultaneously.
It is possible that the Northern landing strip could be in use by summer 2029.
The airport has stated that most of the construction works associated with the project will be contained on site. Additionally, the hub has ensured that the initiative will be carried out in a sustainable way to contribute to the government’s ‘net zero emissions by 2050’ goal.
“Our northern runway proposals will help boost our economy, maintain competition within the London market, open up new connections and support a Global Britain,” said Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick Airport. “They will also open up exciting new employment opportunities, create additional jobs and further enable travel to visit family and friends, take a leisure break or foster trade and business links. Our proposals are forward looking and seek to bring significant benefits for our region.”
These plans are expected to cost around £500m and are set to be privately financed – creating around 18,400 jobs by 2038.
Gatwick has also announced that two new food and beverage outlets – Tortilla and Juniper and Co – have opened today. These units are working in association with SSP UK and Ireland.
Rachel Bulford, director of retail at Gatwick Airport, commented: “With more passengers now starting to return to the airport to enjoy holidays abroad, visit family and friends, or travel for business, it’s exciting to see our departure lounge starting to get that exciting buzz back again, and the additions of Tortilla and Juniper and Co will only add to that atmosphere.”
