The government has expressed its support for growth at airports across the UK. But what lies ahead for the two largest: Gatwick and Heathrow in London?
Gatwick’s ambitious £2.2 billion expansion proposal entails the renovation of an existing emergency runway, relocating it slightly further from its primary runway. This adjustment aims to comply with aviation safety regulations, facilitating the simultaneous use of both runways. The project also includes a redesign of the surrounding airfield, as well as enhancements and expansions of its terminals and gates.
The second runway could be utilized by short-haul jets, such as those operated by easyJet and various other airlines, potentially increasing flights by approximately 389,000 annually—about 100,000 more than the current volume. By the late 2030s, Gatwick anticipates passenger traffic could rise from around 45 million to 80 million. The airport has declared its readiness to commence construction this year, with plans to have the runway operational by the end of the decade.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has indicated she favors the proposal, yet she has extended the deadline for granting a development consent order by an additional eight months. The planning inspectors had recommended against the project, suggesting it could proceed only if Gatwick accepted various stringent planning conditions addressing noise concerns and surface transport requirements to the airport.
For instance, the airport could be prohibited from operating both runways simultaneously if it exceeds noise thresholds subject to independent assessment or fails to guarantee that at least 54% of journeys to the airport are made via public transport, which may involve limiting additional parking availability.
At this stage, the situation remains uncertain. Critics have argued that expansion would lead to increased pollution and added pressure on local transport and utilities, which Gatwick’s proposed mitigation measures do not sufficiently address. The airport has until April 24 to submit a formal response.
Meanwhile, Heathrow, the largest airport in London, is already implementing modifications to its terminals and airfield to accommodate a potential 20% increase in capacity beyond the nearly 84 million passengers that traveled through in 2024. However, it cannot significantly increase the number of flights without a third runway—an ambition that has been pursued sporadically for decades.
Heathrow’s third runway is already incorporated into the national policy framework established by legislation in 2018. Yet, the extensive process of submitting a detailed planning application—similar to the one Gatwick hoped to finalize recently—has yet to commence, hindered by legal disputes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Heathrow plans to present its proposal to the government in the summer, maintaining the same design concept but now seeking additional assurances before applying for a development consent order.
In addition to robust ministerial support, Heathrow seeks the reconfiguration of airspace prior to expanding its runways. The airport also desires modifications to the Civil Aviation Authority’s regulatory framework, enabling it to charge airlines increased fees over an extended period to recoup investment costs. Furthermore, Heathrow hopes for legislative promises that would prevent delays from judicial reviews.
At the earliest, the third runway could become operational by 2035, which would permit around 240,000 additional flights annually, significantly increase carbon emissions, and introduce new flight paths over other densely populated areas in London.
Yes, indeed—each of the airports has received varying levels of approval for redevelopment and an increase in flights. Stansted and City airports have obtained approval for terminal enhancements and expanded flight operations, while Luton awaits another decision from Alexander in April regarding a development consent order, having submitted plans to grow its passenger capacity from 18 million to 32 million annually.
