London's Gatwick Airport to handle 100,000 extra flights a year with new runway

London's Gatwick Airport has secured a legal victory to fully open its second runway, a move set to significantly boost the number of flights handled annually. The northern runway, scheduled to commence operations in 2030, will allow the airport to handle approximately 100,000 extra flights per year. Despite protests from environmental groups concerned about increased transport, noise, housing, and wastewater issues, the High Court dismissed these objections and barred any further appeals.

Gatwick claims that this expansion will generate 14,000 jobs in the region and provide £1 billion in economic benefits annually. The decision concludes a lengthy period of uncertainty for the airport, which currently handles around 280,000 flights annually, ranking it as the busiest single-runway airport in Europe. The newly realigned runway will accommodate narrow-body planes like the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

Gatwick currently offers flights to over 200 destinations, with the expanded service aiming to provide passengers with more options and increase competition, potentially driving down fares. The airport, owned by Vinci and Global Infrastructure Partners, projects a surge in passenger numbers from approximately 45 million to 75 million by the late 2030s under the new runway plan.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander hailed the plan as a "no-brainer" for economic growth, emphasizing its potential to enhance global connectivity and make the UK a more attractive investment destination. The government has also committed £43 million to support hydrogen-powered and electric flights, alongside backing Heathrow's expansion plans, which include proposals for a third runway.