Gatwick Airport submits case for expansion to government sub-committee

London Gatwick Airport has submitted a summary of new evidence supporting its second runway expansion case to the UK government’s Economy and Industrial Strategy (Airports) sub-committee.

As the sub-committee starts to consider where to expand aviation capacity in the South East, Gatwick’s new report contains additional analysis which the airport claims supersedes the Airports Commission’s final report.

Gatwick’s latest submission states that the commission’s final report drastically underestimated the airport’s growth, stating that it would not serve 42 million passengers a year until 2030, or fly to 50 long haul destinations until 2050 (with a second runway) – whereas both were achieved in 2016.

“The submission also states that new generation aircraft are flying further more cheaply, removing the need to fly through hub airports. The report also sets out evidence to support Gatwick’s claim that the economic benefits of a second runway outweigh either of London Heathrow Airport’s expansion options.

Stewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport, said, “It is appropriate that the government’s Economy and Industrial Strategy sub-committee is taking a new look at the issue of airport expansion as so much has changed since the Airports Commission’s report was published. Today’s report sets out clearly why a new runway at Gatwick can give the government the certainty that, finally, something can happen to give the country the connectivity and economic boost it needs.

“Gatwick provides a solution to a problem that has dogged successive governments for generations. It is a solution that can be delivered quickly, at low risk and more competitively, and signals to Europe and the world that we are determined, decisive, action-oriented and open for business.

“By backing an efficient, competitive solution that keeps costs low, Britain will indeed be laying the foundations of an economy that works for everyone.”