It’s a YES for London Gatwick’s Second Runway

By Mr Plane Guy, Travel Blogger & Flight Expert

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep this blog running (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes at the airport). Thanks for your support!

It’s a YES for London Gatwick’s Second Runway and that means big changes are coming for travellers. The UK government has officially approved plans to bring the airport’s Northern Runway into regular use, unlocking more flights, more destinations, and potentially cheaper fares. For Europe’s busiest single-runway airport, this is nothing short of a game-changer. From exciting new long-haul routes powered by next-gen aircraft like the Airbus A321XLR, to a boost in short-haul capacity for holidaymakers, Gatwick’s glow-up is about to reshape how Londoners (and beyond) take to the skies.

👉 Before we dive in, if you’re planning a trip through Gatwick, don’t miss my full guide to Gatwick Airport lounges

What This Means for Travellers

Gatwick already handles over 40 million passengers a year, but with this expansion the airport could climb towards 80 million by the 2030s. More flights = more destinations = more choice for us flyers.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves described the project as a “no-brainer for growth,” promising thousands of jobs and billions in investment. For travellers, though, the real win is cheaper fares and a wider route map.

👉 Want to see how Gatwick’s network is already evolving? Check out my article on where British Airways flies from London Gatwick and the latest on Norse Atlantic’s ever-changing Gatwick routes.

Don’t miss out on some of the amazing fares already popping up from London Gatwick find your perfect trip with Trip.com’s best deals here,

The Plan for Gatwick’s Northern Runway

Here’s the blueprint in simple terms:

• The Northern Runway will be shifted 12 metres to make it compliant for dual use.

• Gatwick will be able to handle nearly 390,000 flights per year (up from ~280,000 today).

• The second runway will focus mainly on short-haul flights, freeing the main runway for long haul.

• Passenger numbers could eventually hit 80 million annually.

• Even before the new runway opens, Gatwick is planning 40,000 extra flights.

Challenges on the Horizon

Of course, not everyone’s celebrating. Environmental groups and local residents have raised concerns over noise, traffic, and emissions. To get the green light, Gatwick agreed to:

• Stricter noise controls and home insulation schemes

• A requirement that 54% of passengers use public transport to reach the airport

• Compensation for the most affected residents (from triple glazing to stamp duty support)

Public transport is a big sticking point. The Gatwick Express is still running only 2 trains per hour (it used to be 4 before the pandemic). Meeting that 54% public transport target will require serious upgrades.

Blog Post: The BEST way to get from London Gatwick to Central London

What This Means for Flyers

For us, the upside is huge:

• More airlines competing for slots (easyJet, BA Euroflyer, Norse Atlantic, Gulf carriers, maybe even more U.S. players).

• Cheap flights from Gatwick thanks to increased capacity and competition.

• New long-haul destinations opening up with the A321XLR and similar aircraft.

And with passenger numbers set to rise, lounges will only become more important. I’ve reviewed a few of the best Gatwick airport lounges already:

Exclusive Offer: I was kindly given a 30% off LINK for a Priority Pass, to share with you.

Final Approach

So, when will we see planes taking off from Gatwick’s second runway? Officials say possibly by 2029 maybe even sooner.

That may feel a while off, but airlines will start planning their strategies long before then. Expect route announcements, terminal expansions, and maybe even new lounge openings as the project takes shape.

For frequent Gatwick flyers like me, the excitement is real. More runways mean more choice, more routes, and hopefully more affordable adventures. London Gatwick is stepping up, and I’ll be following every new development right here on the blog.

Related Articles

• 10 Essential Tips for Dealing with Flight Delays and Cancellations

• Flying in Style: My Qatar Airways Business Class Experience on the 787 from Doha to London

• Is this the BEST Airport Lounges at London Gatwick South Terminal

• Ryanair Cabin Bags: What You Need to Know

• The Perfect Cabin Bag for Travelling with Low Cost Airlines. Cabin Max carry on Luggage

Plan Your Airport Parking: Booking in advance can make your journey more seamless.

Purple Parking offers secure, affordable parking options at London Gatwick parking, with services starting from just £5.37 per day. Car parks equipped with 24/7 CCTV, perimeter fencing, and regular patrols, earning it the Park Mark® Safer Parking award for added peace of mind.

Check live Purple Parking prices here and lock in the best rate for your trip.

Hello, I’m Paul a professional jet-setter and all-around plane travel pro. After 15 years working in and around planes, I became a flight delay expert at a London Airport and mastered plane travel hacks, a PLANE flight expert with BIG travel plans but small carry-on.

Now, I share PLANE travel news, tips, reviews, and deals with honesty, humour, and zero baggage! Thanks for reading It’s a YES for London Gatwick’s Second Runway.

Follow me on Instagram for the latest lounge reviews, PLANE tips, and PLANE deals.