Gatwick Airport says using its northern runway would double imports
Imports could double at London Gatwick by 2038 if the airport’s northern runway is brought into routine use alongside its main runway, the airport has said.
Gatwick said increased imports could generate 35,000 new jobs across the UK and add £2bn to the national economy.
The airport has submitted a planning application to bring the airport’s existing northern runway into regular use towards the end of the decade.
The additional capacity would see airport-facilitated imports more than double between 2019 and 2038, to 161,500 tonnes, according to socio-economic studies commissioned by Gatwick.
Jonathan Pollard, the airport’s chief commercial officer, said: “London Gatwick already makes a significant contribution to the local, regional and national economies, through direct and indirect jobs, tourism and global trade opportunities.
“Many businesses and individuals across the South East are supported by having Gatwick on their doorsteps. We are confident that by bringing our existing Northern Runway into regular use – and therefore offering even more global connections – we can provide a huge boost to the region, for both people and businesses.
“These latest figures further demonstrate the substantial benefits to be gained through increased capacity and greater resilience at Gatwick.”
