Gatwick airport's 2.2 billion second runway has been approved - here's what it means for travellers in London

"The government has given the airport the go ahead on plans that have been in the works since 2021. The airport's planning application was initially rejected but it was told that the project would be approved the project if the changes addressing noise mitigation and public transport to and from the airport were addressed. A government source told the PA news agency: 'The Transport Secretary has cleared Gatwick expansion for take-off. With capacity constraints holding back business, trade and tourism, this is a no-brainer for growth.'"

"Building the second runway will cost a grand total of £2.2 billion. There's been no information on when work will start, but a government source has suggested that flights could start taking off from the new full runway 'before the next general election' in 2029. What will it mean for travellers? The new runway will be for take-offs only and is expected to allow more than 750 additional flights a day. For passengers, that means more options when it comes to flying out of London to popular destinations."

Gatwick Airport has approval to convert its standby runway into a full, take-off-only runway by moving it 12 metres north, enabling operations by narrow-bodied aircraft such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s. The change is expected to create capacity for roughly 100,000 extra flights annually and more than 750 additional daily departures, broadening route options for passengers. The expansion carries an estimated construction cost of £2.2 billion. A government source indicated flights could begin from the new runway before the 2029 general election, subject to timing of construction and remaining planning conditions.

Read at Time Out London