Gatwick airport is set to start development of its second runway after campaigners lost a court of appeal bid to block the £2.2bn (about $2.8bn) scheme, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- The court of appeal dismissed a legal challenge to Gatwick's second runway plans on Tuesday.
- The expansion is valued at £2.2bn (about $2.8bn), according to the Guardian.
- The project will allow about 100,000 more flights a year.
- Gatwick is Britain's second busiest airport.
- Campaigners had earlier lost a high court ruling on the scheme.
Gatwick airport is to begin development of its second runway after campaigners lost a legal challenge to the plans, according to the Guardian. The court of appeal on Tuesday dismissed a bid by local campaign groups to overturn an earlier high court ruling that the scheme could proceed.
The £2.2bn (about $2.8bn) project will allow about 100,000 more flights a year to use the airport, the Guardian reported. Gatwick is described as Britain’s second busiest airport.
The court of appeal decision removes a major legal obstacle for the expansion, following the earlier high court ruling that had already found the scheme could go ahead.
The challenge was brought by local campaign groups, though the sources do not detail the specific grounds of their opposition. Their appeal was dismissed, ending this stage of the legal process.
With the legal route exhausted at this level, Gatwick is positioned to move forward with the development of the runway.
Why it matters
A second runway at one of Britain's busiest airports means significantly more flight capacity, which could affect travel options and airport-area communities. The court decision also signals how legal challenges to major infrastructure projects are being weighed against expansion plans.
Frequently asked questions
How much will the Gatwick second runway project cost?
The Guardian reports the project is valued at £2.2bn (approximately $2.2bn).
How many more flights will the new runway allow?
According to the Guardian, the expansion will allow about 100,000 more flights a year.
Who tried to stop the runway?
Local campaign groups brought a legal challenge, but the court of appeal dismissed their bid on Tuesday.