Gatwick Airport could soon see a major expansion. (Image: Getty)
A major expansion of could be approved this week, allowing for an additional 100,000 flights per year.
is expected to make a decision on Thursday.
The £2.2 billion project would see the airport’s “emergency” northern runway brought into regular use, increasing its passenger capacity from around 43 million to 75 million annually.
Alexander signalled strong support for the expansion, arguing that the government is committed to boosting aviation while balancing environmental concerns.
Speaking to aviation leaders on Tuesday, she said: “Some might say the current debate about airport expansion highlights a fundamental tension between growing the economy whilst protecting the environment. I say we must do both.”
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Heidi Alexander is expected to make a decision on Thursday. (Image: Getty)
She dismissed concerns that the government was prioritising growth over climate commitments, adding: “I have no intention of clipping anyone’s wings. I am not some sort of flight-shaming eco-warrior. I love flying, I always have.”
She insisted that the UK, as an island nation, must continue expanding its aviation sector, saying: “That means more passengers and freight in the air, not less.
“But I am equally clear that this must also mean less carbon, not more.”
The expansion plan includes shifting the northern runway 12 metres further north, extending both terminals, building new taxiways, and adding more gates, reported.
The upgraded runway will be used only for narrow-bodied aircraft taking off, but it would enable the airport to handle significantly more flights and passengers.
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The expansion would increase Gatwick’s capacity from around 43 million to 75 million annually. (Image: Getty)
The final decision on whether to grant planning permission, known as a development consent order, will be made on Thursday.
A similar decision on whether to approve , which aims to increase passenger numbers from 19 million to 32 million per year, is expected by April 3.
However, the expansion has been met with strong opposition from environmental campaigners and local community groups, who argue that the additional flights will worsen noise pollution and harm air quality.
Communities Against Gatwick Noise and Emissions, a campaign group, said the plans fail to address concerns about noise, surface transport, housing, and wastewater treatment.
The group has vowed to launch a judicial review if the project is approved.
The expansion plan includes shifting the northern runway 12 metres further north. (Image: Getty)
Ministers have also insisted that airport expansion projects must align with climate and air-quality obligations while minimising noise for local communities.
The government is banking on advances in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and quieter, more efficient aircraft to offset the environmental impact.
Under new regulations, at least 10% of fuel used by UK airlines must be made from sustainable sources by 2030.
But Alexander’s comments suggest the government is determined to push ahead with airport growth.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also expressed support for easing planning restrictions to accelerate major infrastructure projects.
Last month, she confirmed government backing for Heathrow’s third runway, which would require rerouting the M25 and demolishing more than 700 homes.
Despite the backlash, Alexander made it clear that the government sees aviation expansion as key to economic growth.
“We could put our head in the sand and pretend that people don’t want to fly but we would be knowingly detaching ourselves from reality,” she said.