Gatwick begins northern runway process
Gatwick Airport has begun its public consultation on plans to bring its existing northern runway into routine use alongside its main runway.
The proposal would allow the airport’s northern runway to be brought into routine use, for departing aircraft, by repositioning its centre line further north by 12 metres.
This would enable dual runway operations with the airport’s main runway whilst meeting all international safety standards.
The northern runway could be operational by summer 2029
The majority of the construction works associated with the airfield are contained within the existing airport boundary.
The cost of the works is approximately £500million and would be privately financed, generatingapproximately18,400 additional jobs by 2038 and an additional expected £1.5bn GVA to the region, the airport said.
Stewart Wingate, chief executive officer of Gatwick Airport, said: “Our northern runway proposals will help boost our economy, maintain competition within the London market, open up new connections and support a Global Britain.
“They will also open up exciting new employment opportunities, create additional jobs and further enable travel to visit family and friends, take a leisure break or foster trade and business links.
“Our proposals are forward looking and seek to bring significant benefits for our region.
“I am confident in our future and very pleased to present these proposals for public consultation.
“We would like to hear views from local residents and anyone interested in our proposals. I encourage everyone to take time to review our plans and respond by 1 December 2021.”
TheStatementofCommunity Consultation, setting out how Gatwick proposes to consult the local community on the project, was published on August 27 and isalsoavailableatgatwickairport. com/futureplans
Anyone interested in responding to the public consultation can do so either by completing the online consultation questionnaire at gatwickairport.com/futureplans
Alternatively, email comments to feedback@ gatwickfutureplans.com or complete a hard-copy questionnaireandreturnitusing the freepost address FREEPOST RTRB-LUUJ-AGBY
Call freephone 0800 038 3486, Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm, with any queries.
Physical copies of consultation materials will also be available at various points, including libraries.