Green light for Gatwick’s Northern Runway

The Court of Appeal has rejected legal challenges to London Gatwick’s Northern Runway Project, clearing the way for the airport’s expansion to proceed.

Gatwick said the ruling confirms that the government’s September 2025 approval was “taken properly and lawfully” and brings to an end an “eight-year planning and legal process.” The airport now says it can move into the design and delivery phase.

Chief Executive Pierre-Hugues Schmit said the project will deliver “significant business, tourism and trade benefits” and is expected to support “14,000 new jobs” and add “£1bn” to the economy every year. He added that the airport will announce further details “in due course.”

The Department for Transport said Gatwick’s second runway can now be brought into full use after the court dismissed the challenge. Its statement says the expansion is expected to create “14,000 new jobs across the region” and deliver an additional “£1 billion in economic benefits every year.” It also says first flights from the extended Northern Runway could begin from 2030, enabling “100,000 additional flights each year.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander called the decision “a major milestone for Gatwick and for local communities,” saying expansion will unlock investment and create thousands of jobs. She said: “Around 13 million more passengers and 100,000 more flights will give holidaymakers greater choice and strengthen global links.”

The government stressed that aviation growth must still meet strict conditions on air quality, carbon emissions and noise. It also highlighted new support for cleaner aviation, including “£219 million to boost production of sustainable aviation fuel” and “£43 million to drive forward hydrogen-powered and electric flight.”

The Court of Appeal also refused permission for the campaign group to appeal, ending the dispute for now.