What Makes Shifting a Runway by 12 Meters So Challenging?

Expansion plans at Gatwick Airport have progressed after the government gave initial support to the proposal. Gatwick’s plans appear quite manageable compared to other airports. For instance, unlike Heathrow, which has plans that involve demolishing homes and altering major roads, Gatwick’s strategy is to move an existing runway just 12 meters to the north for regular use. However, despite this straightforward approach, the expansion could still take years to realize or might not happen at all.

Gatwick Airport first opened its doors in 1958, starting with one runway and an extra taxiway designed as a backup. This backup runway was never intended for everyday use. In fact, back in 1979, the airport’s owners signed an agreement with the local council, which legally prevented the construction of another operational runway for at least four decades. However, Gatwick is now looking to increase the number of flights, particularly to short-haul destinations, by utilizing that backup runway. In the summer of 2023, Gatwick submitted a planning application that included ideas for new buildings, flyovers, and expanded rail connections. For operational safety, it is necessary to shift the existing runway 12 meters north to comply with regulations that require the center lines of runways to be at least 210 meters apart.

Although the government has supported the privately-funded £2.2 billion expansion plan in principle, it is not yet clear when construction will begin. Many local residents are strongly opposed to the expansion due to concerns about increased traffic, noise, and pollution. Additionally, environmental advocates argue that expanding the airport will hinder the UK’s ability to meet climate goals, as more flights would contribute to higher emissions. In January, a group of Members of Parliament urged the government to postpone any expansion plans until existing noise levels at the airport were fully measured and assessed.

Gatwick has until April 24 to provide additional details to back up its planning application. This includes addressing noise concerns and ensuring that a portion of airport passengers use public transportation. Afterward, the government will hold new consultations before making a final decision by October 27. Even if the expansion is approved, there could still be legal challenges that might delay the project further. According to Paul Maile from Eversheds Sutherland, it is likely that several years might pass before construction can even begin.

While Gatwick has expressed hope that the new runway could be operational by the end of the decade, there’s also a significant chance the expansion might not take place at all. By 2030, a new election may bring about a different government that could reverse any prior agreements. Changes in planning laws, regulations, and climate targets could also jeopardize the project. Public sentiment plays a key role in these decisions, as politicians often respond to the concerns of their constituents. For many people living near the airport, the everyday realities of noise from flight paths drive them to oppose expansion projects.

In other countries, where democratic processes are not as pronounced as in the UK, infrastructure projects may be completed more quickly, without as much public opposition. In the UK, projects like road improvements or new rail lines can be slowed or halted if there is enough community pushback. The current government seems to be committed to handling opposition and is willing to pursue airport expansion as a means to promote economic growth, despite the significant objections raised by local residents.