The Guardian
Gwyn Topham
20 March 2025
Airport says government requirement for 54% of passengers to get there on public transport is unworkable
Gatwick is drawing up alternative proposals to tackle congestion on roads around the airport in an attempt to keep its second runway plan alive, against planning inspectors’ advice.
The government said in February it was “minded to approve” expansion of London’s second biggest airport, but with noise and public transport usage conditions.
The Planning Inspectorate had recommended refusing consent for the airport’s £2.2bn project to bring its emergency runway into routine use, but left the way open for the transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, to announce she had “set out a path” with a modified scheme.
Gatwick believes it can meet noise pollution requirements, but says a mandate that 54% of passengers travel to and from the airport by public transport – up from current level of about 44% – is unworkable.
