London Gatwick Airport (LGW) expansion opponents said they are considering an appeal after losing two High Court challenges against the UK government’s approval of a multibillion-pound plan to expand operations at London Gatwick Airport, according to reporting by BBC News. The ruling clears the way for a £2.2 billion project to shift Gatwick’s emergency runway 12 meters north, enabling the airport to operate as a dual-runway facility. The plan was approved in September by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and is expected to significantly increase capacity over the next decade.
Court backs government approval
Mr. Justice Mould dismissed both legal challenges brought by the anti-noise campaign group Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE) and campaigner Peter Barclay, ruling that the expansion would not “materially impact” the UK government’s ability to meet its net zero targets, according to BBC News.
The claimants argued the government had failed to properly assess the project’s climate impacts and that the decision to approve the development was unlawful. However, lawyers representing the Department for Transport (DfT) and Gatwick Airport Limited said the challenge was “unarguable”.
In a 100-page judgment, the court also rejected arguments that expansion was unnecessary given the proximity of London Heathrow Airport (LHR), about 40 miles away. The judge said the Department for Transport had reasonably considered Gatwick’s role as a primarily leisure-focused airport served largely by low-cost carriers.
Economic benefits
The project is expected to increase Gatwick’s annual flight capacity from about 280,000 flights to 389,000 by the late 2030s, according to BBC News. Supporters, including the airport operator and government officials, say the expansion will deliver significant economic benefits, including an estimated £1 billion annual boost to the UK economy and the creation of about 14,000 jobs.
A Gatwick spokesperson welcomed the High Court ruling, calling it a “victory for common sense” and saying the project would support business, tourism and trade. The Department for Transport also backed the decision, saying the development strikes a balance between environmental commitments and economic growth.
Travel journalist Simon Calder described the project as:
“the first meaningful airport expansion in decades,”
He continued, saying it would provide substantial benefits for both the regional economy and travellers across southeast England.
Opponents weigh appeal over environmental concerns
Despite the ruling, campaigners said they are considering an appeal and do not view the judgment as the final word on the project.
Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions (CAGNE) said residents across Kent, Surrey and Sussex helped fund the legal challenge because of concerns about noise, air quality, infrastructure pressures and carbon emissions.
Peter Barclay, chairman of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, argued the decision ignored recommendations from the Climate Change Committee and the Environmental Audit Committee, both of which have raised concerns about airport expansion.
Local politicians also criticised the decision. John Milne described the outcome as “disappointing,” questioning whether planned expansions at Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton airports can be reconciled with the UK’s environmental targets.
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