HOLIDAYMAKERS have won a huge boost as Gatwick was finally given the all-clear for its £2.2billion expansion.
The green light means planes could be taking off from a new full runway before the next general election.
GettyGatwick airport has gotten the green light for its latest expansion[/caption]
GettyIt could pave way for 100,000 extra flights a year from the airport[/caption]
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has signed off the plan after months of wrangling with planning chiefs, who had tried to block it over green demands.
The project will shift Gatwick’s emergency runway 12 metres north so it can be used alongside the main strip, paving the way for 100,000 extra flights a year.
A Government source said: “The Transport Secretary has cleared Gatwick expansion for take-off.
“With capacity constraints holding back business, trade and tourism, this is a no-brainer for growth.
“This Government has taken unprecedented steps to get this done, navigating a needlessly complex planning system, which our reforms will simplify in future.
“It is possible that planes could be taking off from a new full runway at Gatwick before the next general election.
“Any airport expansion must be delivered in line with our legally binding climate change commitments and meet strict environmental requirements.”
The new runway hopes to have planes taking off from it by the end of the decade.
However, there are conditions around noise reduction and public transport access to the airport that are included in the scheme.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has recently shown his commitment to boosting growth, with ministers told to accelerate big infrastructure projects.
Officials have reportedly admitted that if the Gatwick scheme leads to lengthy reviews though, the project could be delayed.
Another 12 to 18 months could be added.
The £2.2billion project will be funded by existing shareholders, while hoping to bring a £275million tourism boost each year.
It could even see a new range of long-haul routes.
The expanded airport is projected to handle up to 75million passengers a year by the late 2030s.
This can be compared to the record 46.5million in 2019.
Other conditions of approval for the second runway is for the operator to help households that will be affected.
Providing triple glazing or paying for moving costs are included.
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