Gatwick Airport publishes new master plan

The airport has revealed that the consultation process demonstrated strong support among the public for airport development, with two-thirds of people surveyed stating that they support Gatwick "making best use of its existing runways". 

Outlining how London Gatwick Airport can evolve over the next 15 years to meet with growing demands from the travelling public, while continuing to hit its sustainability targets, the master plan reveals that extra capacity would improve operational performance and enhance the passenger experience. 

The master plan's three main areas for development at Gatwick Airport are as follows:

1. Utilising technological innovations to grow capacity and resilience on the main runway
2. Introducing the standby runway to be used for departures, alongside the main runway by the mid 2020s
3. Safeguarding land for a new runway through planning policy 

Gatwick Airport will now apply for planning permission to bring the standby runway into routine use for departing flights. The rigorous planning process will involve a public consultation to allow local councils, residents, businesses and other stakeholders to have their say on plans.

While London Gatwick has confirmed it will continue to safeguard land for a possible future runway, the airport has confirmed it is not actively pursuing plans for an extra runway at this stage. 

In carrying out plans to bring its standby runway into routine use, Gatwick Airport will work keep a focus on environmental impact and sustainability, as part of its continued commitment to being a green airport.

The airport says its plans to use its standby runway routinely will offer more choice to passengers and have a positive impact on the economy by creating jobs and global investment opportunities, while managing noise footprint through quieter aircrafts as well as minimising disruption to local residents. 

London Gatwick Airport CEO, Stewart Wingate, said: “We are grateful to the thousands of people that responded to our draft master plan consultation and whose views will continue to help shape our plans. We are encouraged that public consultation has shown strong support for Gatwick and the local area’s ambitions.

“The plans would deliver additional capacity for Gatwick, which will provide choices for the future – including incrementally growing our airport to meet demand and continuing to provide solid operational performance for passengers and airlines. This would be the biggest private investment for the region in the coming years, which would result in significant local economic benefits, including new jobs for the area.

“Gatwick’s global connections are needed more than ever but as we take our plans forward, we must do so in the most sustainable and responsible way and in full partnership with our local councils, communities, passengers and partners.”

The 12-week consultation process which took place ahead of the master plan launch involved events attended by 2,500 people and surveys of 5,000 local residents. 66% of respondents supported Gatwick Airport's desire to make best use of existing runways in line with Government policy.

59% of respondents supported the safeguarding of land for an additional future runway.