Thu, 27 Feb 2025

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 Gatwick second runway decision expected

If the airport wins permission for its controversial expansion plan, construction would start almost immediately.

* Gatwick Airport is seeking permission to expand to two runways, with a decision expected from Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
* The airport claims that expansion would increase departures by 50,000 per year and create 14,000 jobs, generating £1bn in revenue annually.
* However, local residents and environmental groups are strongly opposed, citing concerns about noise pollution, air quality, and climate change.
* Gatwick has committed to reducing noise levels below those of 2019, but critics argue that expansion would still have significant negative impacts.
* The UK Climate Change Committee recommends limiting airport expansion to meet decarbonization targets, with experts questioning the government's argument that a second runway at Gatwick would boost economic growth for the whole of the UK.
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