Gatwick second runway approved after legal challenge fails
Council says 4 August court ruling ends five-year dispute over expansion plans
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Gatwick Airport will open a second runway after a legal challenge against the expansion was dismissed in court on 4 August 2026. The ruling ends a five-year dispute over the project, which the airport says will create jobs and support economic growth in Crawley and surrounding areas.
The decision was announced by Gatwick Airport Ltd on 5 August. A spokesperson said the runway would allow the airport to handle more flights while reducing delays. The company did not disclose how many additional passengers the expansion would accommodate.
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Campaigners warn of climate impact
Opponents of the expansion say the second runway will increase carbon emissions at a time when the UK is trying to meet climate targets. Roger Haydon, writing in *The Guardian* on 9 August, called the decision a "fundamental and dangerous mistake".
Haydon argued that aviation is primarily a leisure industry, not an economic necessity. He cited Office for National Statistics data showing that more than 80% of passengers passing through UK airports in 2024 were travelling for holidays. Business travel, he said, had declined sharply in recent years.
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What happens next
Gatwick Airport Ltd said construction of the second runway would begin within months. The company expects the project to be completed by 2029, though no exact timeline has been confirmed.
Campaign groups, including local environmental organisations, said they would continue to oppose the expansion. They have not announced any further legal action but said they would push for stricter regulations on airport emissions.
Questions this report answers
+Why is Gatwick opening a second runway?
Gatwick Airport will open a second runway after a court dismissed a legal challenge on 4 August 2026. The airport says the expansion will reduce delays and support local jobs, though campaigners argue it will increase carbon emissions.
+How much of UK air travel is for holidays?
More than 80% of passengers passing through UK airports travel for holidays, not business, according to the Office for National Statistics. The figure was cited in a *Guardian* letter opposing airport expansion.
+What was the UK tourism deficit in 2024?
The UK had a £46.1 billion tourism deficit in 2024, as reported by the Office for National Statistics. The figure reflects the difference between spending by UK residents abroad and spending by overseas visitors in the UK.
+Can the Gatwick expansion still be stopped?
No further legal action is expected after the 4 August court ruling. Campaigners say they will continue to oppose the expansion on climate grounds but have not announced new legal challenges.
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