The facility believes it will allow an increase of 133% in cargo tonnage by 2047

Gatwick Airport has released more information around the benefits of its proposed Northern Runway project, which would see the airport’s second, currently unused, runway being brought into routine service.

According to the facility, cargo volumes could increase to around 200,000 tonnes after its opening in 2029, 320,000 tonnes by 2038, and reach 350,000 tonnes by 2047, signalling a significant increase in the 150,000 tonnes processed in 2019/20.

The increases would largely be down to the expected growth in long-haul connections offered by the additional landing strip, with widebody services to destinations across Asia and the Middle East seen as the main driving forces.

Jonathan Pollard, CCO, Gatwick Airport, said: “If we realise our plans and the Northern Runway is brought into routine use it will bring significant benefits for the local area, including new jobs and opportunities for business.”

Gatwick announced plans for the project at the end of August and has already begun a public consultation on plans to bring its existing northern runway into service.