London Gatwick has submitted an application – known as a Development Consent Order (DCO) – to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) outlining its ambition to bring the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use alongside its main runway.

Described by the airport as “forward-looking” and “low impact”, the plan aims to leverage the airport’s existing infrastructure by expanding the capabilities of the Northern Runway which is currently limited to acting as a taxiway, only available when the main runway is out of use.

The application proposes repositioning the centre line of the Northern Runway 12m north to allow dual runway operations, aligning with international safety standards. The Northern Runway would be used for departing flights only.

Construction could start in 2025 and be completed and ready for operational use by the end of the decade.

Stewart Wingate, CEO, Gatwick Airport said: “The Northern Runway plan will help secure the long-term future of the airport and economic prosperity for thousands of families, businesses, and future generations across the region.

“If approved, our plan will also improve airport resilience, meet future passenger demand, and increase competition in the London airport market, by providing vital new international connections to support ‘Global Britain’.

“The consultation and engagement activity over the past two years has been hugely valuable in shaping our plans to ensure they best meet the needs and requirements of local people, as well as our airlines, passengers and other stakeholders. We are confident that our plans are both economically and environmentally robust.”