Expansion of Gatwick still an option, says report

GATWICK Airport said it still has a “credible, privately-financed runway plan” after the Government published new research suggesting it could provide greater economic benefits than Heathrow expansion.

The Department for Transport (DfT) released a series of fresh reports into the impact of building a third runway at Heathrow — its preferred option — as well as extending Heathrow’s northern runway or expanding Gatwick.

It predicts that the total benefits to passengers and the wider economy would be worth up to £75.4bn at Gatwick, compared with £74.2bn at Heathrow.

This reverses an assessment by the independent Airports Commission, which backed a third runway at Heathrow in 2015 after concluding it would be more advantageous to the economy.

A consultation on the draft Airports National Policy Statement — which sets out the Government’s support for expanding the west London hub — initially closed in May, but has now been reopened until December 19.

A Gatwick spokesman said: “Gatwick welcomes the consultation on the revised draft Airports National Policy Statement which includes updated noise analysis and air traffic forecasts, and a new air quality plan.

“We will look carefully at this new consultation material which is long and detailed. We continue to offer a credible privately-financed runway plan to the Government.”

Another DfT report warned that expanding Heathrow could lead to a breach of EU air quality limits.