Gatwick Northern Runway (Second Runway) Project
Gatwick Airport, London, UK · Planning/DCO process (approved September 2025); operational by 2033 (estimated) · £2.2 billion (privately financed)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project is privately financed, reducing reliance on taxpayer money and demonstrating a different funding model for airport expansion. - The DCO approval in September 2025 marks a significant milestone after years of planning and public consultation. - The project aims to significantly increase Gatwick's capacity and economic contribution to the UK. - Legal challenges highlight the complexities and opposition faced by major infrastructure projects.
Key engineering challenges
Repositioning an existing runway while maintaining airport operations and minimizing disruption. - Upgrading associated taxiways, terminals, and ancillary facilities to support increased capacity. - Addressing environmental concerns and public opposition during the Development Consent Order (DCO) process. - Integrating the new operational runway with existing airport systems and air traffic control.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Gatwick Airport Limited
- Lead contractor
- Not yet appointed (planning phase)
- Lead designers
- —
- Project type
- upgrade | new build (of operational capacity)
- Scale
- Repositioning Northern Runway by 12 meters; capacity for 382,000 flights by 2033; creation of 14,000 jobs.
- Disciplines
- civil; structural; railway engineering; geotechnical; environmental engineering; transport planning; aviation planning
- Standards & frameworks
- Development Consent Order (DCO) process
Sources: Gatwick Airport: Northern Runway Plans (https://www.gatwickairport.com/company/future-plans/northern-runway.html) - BBC News: Gatwick second runway plan approved by transport secretary (https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9v7rz24z23o) - New Civil Engineer: 'Critical infrastructure' or 'disaster'? Reaction as Gatwick's £2.2bn second runway approved (https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/critical-infrastructure-or-disaster-reaction-as-gatwicks-2-2bn-second-runway-approved-22-09-2025/) - The Planning Inspectorate: Gatwick Airport Northern Runway (https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR020005)