Gatwick expansion approved as Reeves presses economic revival, despite 2029 start for second runway

LONDON — Chancellor Rachel Reeves said expanding Gatwick airport can kickstart the economy, even as government officials acknowledge the second runway likely will not operate until 2029. The move, backed by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, comes as Britain seeks new levers to spur growth amid a looming hole in public finances ahead of the November Budget. Ministers described the plan as a way to get Britain building again, even if the full economic benefits are a long-term projection.

The privately financed expansion would see Gatwick's existing emergency runway moved slightly north, enabling it to handle departures of narrow‑bodied aircraft such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737. Officials say the adjustment would unlock around 100,000 additional flights a year once fully implemented. Gatwick, which handled roughly 265,000 flights in 2024, contends the project will generate about £1 billion per year in economic benefits and create roughly 14,000 additional jobs. If the project proceeds as planned, the government believes the extra capacity could begin to appear before the next general election, though the first full use of the new runway is not expected to occur until 2029 and it could take the late 2030s to realize the full passenger gains.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander formally backed the scheme, describing it as a no-brainer and citing adjustments designed to address noise concerns and to increase the share of passengers traveling by public transport. The Planning Inspectorate initially rejected Gatwick's application and, earlier this year, recommended approval only after the airport agreed to changes. Gatwick argued the revisions would resolve constraints and streamline planning, and government sources echoed that sentiment, stressing that the reforms would help move projects through a complicated process more quickly in the future.

The government’s stance comes as rival hubs in the Southeast push to expand capacity. On August 1, Heathrow Airport submitted plans for a third runway, with CEO Thomas Woldbye describing the need for expansion as urgent. The same month, Heathrow reported its busiest month on record, handling more than eight million passengers and recording around 270,000 travelers on a single day. The competition for additional capacity underscores a broader push to bolster trade, tourism, and connectivity across the region while ensuring that expansions align with climate commitments and environmental safeguards.

Gatwick’s supporters say the airport’s growth would help relieve capacity constraints that are hampering business and tourism, arguing that the reforms to planning and development could deliver timely benefits. Critics, however, have cautioned that the delayed operational start of the second runway postpones the realization of the project’s promised economic uplift and could intensify concerns about noise, traffic, and local disruption. The government has emphasized that any expansion must adhere to binding climate targets and strict environmental requirements, signaling that the project’s approval hinges on continued commitments to reduce emissions and boost sustainable transport options for travelers.

If realized, the Gatwick expansion would mark a significant shift in the region’s aviation landscape, potentially reshaping flight routes and schedules across the South East. The government’s emphasis on “builders, not blockers” signals a broader aim to cut red tape and accelerate infrastructure projects, even as ministers balance growth with environmental responsibilities. The coming months are expected to clarify the timetable for formal approvals, financing arrangements, and the exact milestones toward a fuller realization of the project’s capacity and economic impact.