Second Gatwick Runway – What does it mean for Heathrow? The surprise decision to grant Gatwick airport expansion is significant for what Heathrow’s expansion plans will mean.
The news that Gatwick airport has been given the go-ahead to build a second runway is important for Heathrow as the original position in 2015 was that a second runway would not be permitted. The alteration to the emergency runway at Gatwick will lead to more than 100,000 additional flights a year. What changed – but what does it mean for Heathrow’s expansion plans?
The chancellor, Rachel Reeves, said the decision on Gatwick was “in addition to our commitments to a third runway at Heathrow”. So the Government clearly had a plan for both expansions as part of its economic growth aims. The Government regards Gatwick’s additional flights as different from Heathrow – leisure, short-haul and point-to-point. Heathrow is focused on transfers as a major international hub for business travel.
Gatwick’s increased capacity means the airport is increasingly more of a direct alternative to Heathrow. So some arguments for Heathrow’s third runway—namely, London’s urgent aviation capacity needs—are now less persuasive for some stakeholders and politicians.
Whilst the Government’s position is that Heathrow expansion is essential for long-term growth, this is somewhat undermined by Gatwick. Heathrow expansion still faces significant legal and environmental hurdles.
The airport is still on track to expand but its plans will be more sharply focused on international transfers and the use of long haul aircraft for this. Stanwell Moor village will have to absorb more noise and pollution from large aircraft.