The Court of Appeal has dismissed a final legal challenge by environmental campaigners seeking to block the construction of a second runway at Gatwick Airport. The ruling, delivered on August 5, upheld a previous High Court decision from June allowing the £2 billion expansion project to proceed.

The development plan includes relocating Gatwick’s emergency runway 12 meters to the north, enabling the airport to handle approximately 100,000 additional flights annually. The new runway is scheduled to become operational by 2030.

Opponents had filed for a judicial review, arguing that the Department for Transport failed to sufficiently evaluate the environmental consequences of the expansion, particularly regarding noise pollution and carbon emissions. However, the courts found that the government’s assessments met legal requirements.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander welcomed the ruling, describing it as a “major milestone for Gatwick and for local communities.” She emphasized the economic benefits, noting the project’s potential to create thousands of jobs. Alexander also stated that the government remains committed to supporting infrastructure expansion that aligns with growth objectives and climate commitments.

Gatwick Airport, located in West Sussex, is one of the United Kingdom’s busiest airports, and the runway addition is intended to increase capacity in response to rising passenger demand. While environmental concerns remain a point of contention, the legal decisions now clear the way for the airport’s significant expansion in the coming years.