The major UK airport set for a huge £2.2bn expansion to add 100,000 flights a year

A major UK airport could serve 100,000 more flights a year after undergoing a £2.2 billion expansion project.

Following the Government’s support of a third runway at last month, similar plans at another London airbase are being considered that could further boost the country’s transport .

Plans to transform ‘s emergency landing strip into a second runway have been on the cards for years – with suggestions that it would enable the airport to boost its annual passenger capacity from 43 million to 75 million.

The would involve moving the existing strip by 12 metres and extending two airport terminals with new gates, stands and taxi-ways, reported. It could enable the airport to serve around 100,000 more flights each year.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is expected to decide whether to approve the expansion by Thursday (February 27).

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it supports the West Sussex airbase’s plans for growth over the next few years in a statement this week, suggesting it would bring “benefits to consumers”, who diverge from those regularly using London-based Heathrow.

It comes after Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the Government would support a third runway at in a speech about UK growth last month.

A spokesperson for the CAA said: “We have considered the implications of the recent Government announcement in relation to the development of a third runway at .

“Gatwick’s airline and passenger base is significantly different from that using Heathrow and we remain of the view that there are likely to be benefits to consumers in expanding capacity in Gatwick, including in relation to meeting the demands of passengers in the choice of destinations, enhanced competitive pressure on airlines and the greater resilience of airport infrastructure.”

The CAA also published proposed new commitments from Gatwick for the next four years, including a price cap on how much the airport can charge airlines.

Under the plans, the maximum increase in the cap would be the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure of inflation minus 1% for the first two years, then CPI plus 0% for the 24 months following that.

Gatwick will also change its service quality targets and rebates with a focus on areas that “have been problematic in recent years”, the CAA said.

This would include the introduction of financial incentives for improving special assistance services and enhanced measures towards air traffic control performance.

Selina Chadha, group director of consumers and markets at the CAA, said: “Our focus is always to deliver in the interests of consumers while supporting growth, investment and efficiency.

“Aviation plays a vital role in the UK economy and accepting ’s commitments will see benefits for passengers, airlines and the airport.”

The CAA is expected to lay out its final decision on the measures in May or June.