Gatwick plans to use standby runway to add flights
Gatwick has unveiled plans to use its standby runway for additional departures from the mid 2020s.
Revealing its final master plan and a report on its 12-week public consultation, it claims it has strong support for airport development with two thirds of respondents saying they support Gatwick ‘making best use of its existing runways’ in line with Government policy.
It is to prepare a planning application to bring the standby runway into routine use.
It is no longer actively pursuing plans for an additional runway, but said the Government will safeguard land previously earmarked for it.
London Gatwick CEO Stewart Wingate said: "We are grateful to the thousands of people that responded to our draft master plan consultation and whose views will continue to help shape our plans. We are encouraged that public consultation has shown strong support for Gatwick and the local area’s ambitions.
"The plans would deliver additional capacity for Gatwick, which will provide choices for the future – including incrementally growing our airport to meet demand and continuing to provide solid operational performance for passengers and airlines.
"This would be the biggest private investment for the region in the coming years, which would result in significant local economic benefits, including new jobs for the area.
"Gatwick’s global connections are needed more than ever but as we take our plans forward, we must do so in the most sustainable and responsible way and in full partnership with our local councils, communities, passengers and partners.
But campaign group, Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions, said the plans would create ‘a second runway by stealth’ and ‘flies in the face’ of the Government’s pledge for ‘net zero’ CO2 emissions by 2050.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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