Bringing its existing Northern Runway into routine use will create more than 18,000 jobs and secure the airport’s future, says the London hub
Gatwick Airport today (August 25) announced that a public consultation will begin next month regarding plans to bring its existing Northern Runway into routine use alongside its primary air strip.
The plans would see the Northern Runway become available for use by departing aircraft by means of repositioning its centre line further north – allowing a dual runway system.
By implementing these changes, the airport hopes that operational resilience at the hub will improve and new global connections will be made. It also hopes to heighten capacity to 75 million passengers per year by 2038.
Additional elements of the proposal include enhanced airport access, highway amendments and environmental changes to the landscape. Gatwick hopes to deliver the plans in a sustainable way to reach the UK government’s ‘net zero emissions by 2050’ goal.
“While we are currently experiencing low passenger and air traffic volumes due to the global pandemic, we are confident that Gatwick will not only fully recover to previous passenger levels but has potential to continue to grow back into one of Europe’s premier airports,” said Stewart Wingate, chief executive officer, Gatwick Airport.
“Our plans to bring our existing Northern Runway into routine use will not only help to secure that growth but will also ensure many thousands of additional jobs and a vital boost to the economy for our local region.”
This new venture is considered a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’, meaning that the airport is expected to apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to help operate the works. Prior to submitting this document, Gatwick will run a 12-week public consultation, commencing on September 9.
“We would like to hear views from local people and interested groups on the proposed Northern Runway Project as part of our comprehensive public consultation process and encourage everyone to take time to review our plans,” Wingate explained.
The Northern Runway scheme is intended to help secure Gatwick’s long-term growth by creating around 18,400 jobs by 2038, as well as providing an additional £1.5bn gross value added (GVA) to the region.
