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Campaigners opposing the expansion of Gatwick Airport have faced defeats in two High Court challenges against the government’s approval of the project but have stated they are considering an appeal. The Transport Secretary approved a £2.2 billion plan last September to shift Gatwick’s emergency runway slightly north, enabling the airport to operate with two runways. The anti-noise group Cagne and campaigner Peter Barclay argued in a January hearing that the scheme was unlawful, claiming the government had failed to adequately assess the climate impact of the project.
Mr Justice Mould rejected both legal challenges, ruling that the proposed expansion would not significantly affect the government’s ability to achieve net zero emissions targets. London Gatwick described the ruling as a “victory for common sense.” The Department for Transport (DfT) and Gatwick Airport Limited defended the approval, with their lawyers contending the campaigners’ case was “unarguable.” The plan is expected to raise Gatwick’s flight capacity from around 280,000 flights per year to 389,000 by the late 2030s. Travel journalist Simon Calder referred to this expansion as “the first meaningful airport expansion in decades,” highlighting its importance for the local economy and travelers in southeast England.
In his detailed 100-page judgment, the judge also dismissed arguments questioning the need for Gatwick’s expansion given the presence of Heathrow Airport approximately 40 miles away. He noted that the DfT considered Gatwick primarily as a leisure airport served largely by low-cost carriers and that passenger numbers were projected to increase. Justice Mould emphasized that the Transport Secretary had thoroughly weighed the need and socio-economic impacts of the proposal, stating her conclusions were “rational and supported by proper, adequate and intelligible reasons.”
Despite the setbacks, the campaign group Cagne insisted the ruling would not be the “final word” and that they would continue to explore options for appeal. They remain committed to representing the concerns of communities in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex, citing issues such as infrastructure, sewage treatment, noise, air quality, and emissions. Sally Pavey of Cagne previously criticized the plans, suggesting they were “not making best use of existing runways.” Peter Barclay, chairman of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, pointed out that independent bodies like the Climate Change Committee and the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee had advised against airport expansion, describing the court’s decision as ignoring this advice. Both campaigners took their complaints forward through judicial reviews. Local MP John Milne expressed disappointment, questioning how the expansion aligns with environmental targets, especially given that thousands of new homes are planned near the airport.
A spokesperson for London Gatwick welcomed the court ruling, emphasizing the economic and employment benefits of the Northern Runway Project, including 14,000 new jobs and an annual £1 billion boost to the economy, calling the outcome a “victory for common sense.” The Department for Transport also praised the decision, highlighting the balance achieved between environmental commitments and substantial economic advantages for the UK
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