BBC News
Sean Dilley, Molly Stazicker and Esme Stallard
27 February 2025
A second runway at Gatwick Airport has been backed by government, providing measures to reduce noise are put in place.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was "minded to approve" the expansion. Some MPs, local authorities and residents are strongly opposed.
The airport wants to move its northern runway, which is currently only used for taxiing or as a back up, and make it operational by the end of the decade.
The transport secretary's support does not guarantee the expansion will go ahead as it would still need planning permission.
If permission is granted, work would start almost immediately, the BBC understands. The £2.2bn expansion will be funded through private investment.
Read on: Gatwick Airport: Second runway backed by government - BBC News
