Fri, 28 Feb 2025

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 Why is it so hard to move a runway just 12 metres?

Protests, politicking and planning could stall the runway, despite the government being 'minded to approve' it

* The UK government has given tentative backing to Gatwick Airport's expansion plan, which includes shifting an existing runway 12 metres north and bringing it into regular use.
* However, the project is far from certain and may not happen for years or at all due to opposition from local residents, climate campaigners, and potential legal challenges.
* The airport has been operating since 1958 with one runway and a secondary taxi-way that was never intended for daily use. In 1979, the owners signed an agreement not to build another operational runway for at least 40 years.
* Gatwick is seeking to increase flights by putting the back-up runway into regular use, but this requires a shift of 12 metres north to meet safety rules and will require additional infrastructure such as buildings, flyovers, and expanded rail links.
* Local residents are concerned about increased traffic, noise, and pollution, while climate campaigners argue that airport expansion will make it harder for the UK to meet its emissions targets.
* MPs have called for a delay in the decision until current noise levels are monitored adequately at the site, and Gatwick has until 24 April to submit more information and respond with measures such as noise mitigation and increased public transport links.
* Even if the project is given the green light, it could still face further delays due to potential legal challenges or changes in government policies and regulations.
* The final decision on the expansion plan will be made by the government on 27 October, but there is still a chance that the project may not happen at all.
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