Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that Gatwick Airport will be allowed to bring its second runway into full use, describing the move as part of the government’s plan to “get Britain building again.”
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has confirmed that Gatwick Airport will be allowed to bring its second runway into full use, describing the move as part of the government’s plan to “get Britain building again.”
The £2.2 billion scheme, which has now been approved, will see the airport’s northern runway – currently used only in emergencies – upgraded to handle routine commercial flights. Gatwick says the expansion will allow around 100,000 additional flights every year, boosting capacity at the UK’s second busiest airport.
Supporters argue the project will provide a major economic lift, creating thousands of jobs during construction and in the long term. Airport bosses say the investment, which is being funded by shareholders, will generate growth for local communities as well as wider benefits for tourism and trade. They claim it will also help relieve pressure on Heathrow and improve resilience across the aviation network.
Chancellor Reeves told MPs the approval demonstrates the government’s commitment to infrastructure investment, saying: “Getting Britain building again means unlocking projects that create jobs and support growth. Gatwick’s second runway will help achieve that.”
But the plans remain controversial, with environmental groups warning that the expansion is incompatible with the UK’s climate commitments. The Green Party has branded the decision a “disaster,” arguing that aviation is already a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and that adding more flights will undermine efforts to reach net zero.
Campaigners also fear increased noise and air pollution for residents living under flight paths. They say the money would be better invested in greener forms of transport and measures to cut emissions rather than expanding air travel.
Airport chiefs insist the project will be delivered alongside measures to reduce its environmental impact, including investment in more efficient aircraft operations and commitments to net zero targets.
Detailed planning conditions are still being examined, but construction could begin once the final requirements are confirmed. Gatwick says it is confident the scheme will unlock long-term benefits for both the regional and national economy.
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