Gatwick Awaits Critical Northern Runway Decision

Posted by UK Property Forums on 1st September 2025 -

London Gatwick Airport is awaiting a critical decision on its Northern Runway development proposal, expected by October 27.

 

The plan aims to unlock significant growth for both the airport and the UK economy. Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s Chief Executive, expressed optimism about the approval of these privately financed, shovel-ready plans, which have undergone a rigorous planning process.

The Northern Runway project is projected to generate substantial economic benefits, including £275 million annually for the Sussex visitor economy. It aims to attract more high-value international tourists, with an additional 1.6 million international inbound passengers expected annually by 2038.

This growth aligns with the Sussex Visitor Economy Growth Strategy, which targets an increase of 500,000 international tourists per year by 2034, aiming to expand the sector from £5 billion to £7.5 billion.

The proposal includes increasing passenger numbers to around 80.2 million per year by 2047, with an additional 60,000 flights annually, including more long-haul routes. This expansion is crucial for connecting the UK to fast-growing global regions, enhancing Sussex’s global profile, and boosting tourism, which already supports over 74,000 local jobs.

Richard Lennard, economic partnerships manager at Gatwick, emphasised that the Northern Runway is about more than just capacity. It aims to connect the UK to the fastest-growing regions and bring new opportunities to the region, with tourism acting as a catalyst for economic growth.

If approved, the £2.2 billion project will be privately funded and is expected to deliver 14,000 additional jobs and £1 billion in regional economic growth annually. Currently, Gatwick contributes 76,000 jobs and £5.5 billion to the UK economy each year.

The development is part of Gatwick’s broader strategy to enhance its role as a global gateway, with 54 long-haul routes already operating. The airport is actively working to expand connectivity to key markets, including China, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf, which are identified as growth areas within the strategy.