The UK government has granted development consent for Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway project, clearing the way for dual-runway operations and a long-term capacity uplift to up to 80 million passengers a year alongside extensive airfield, terminal and surface-access works.
The secretary of state signed the Development Consent Order (DCO) on 21 September 2025 (in force from 12 October 2025), following a six-month examination and further consultations earlier this year.
Under the scheme, the existing standby runway will be realigned and used routinely in conjunction with the main runway, supported by taxiway amendments, terminal extensions, ancillary facilities, and highways and river works, plus temporary construction and mitigation measures.
The application, lodged by Gatwick Airport in July 2023, was examined by a five-member panel which reported in November 2024; the Secretary of State has now accepted the case for need and granted consent with modifications and additional operational controls.
While the project is framed primarily around passenger growth, industry bodies argue the decision could materially affect air freight capacity in the South East – a region where bellyhold space has been tight since the pandemic.
Logistics UK welcomed the approval, noting that “almost two-thirds of the UK’s air cargo moves in passenger aircraft, sitting underneath seats in the bellyhold” and that extra passenger services are “highly likely” to lift freight volumes – with some reports suggesting air-cargo tonnage could double – supporting high-value, time-sensitive flows such as manufacturing components and pharmaceuticals.
Alexandra Herdman, senior policy manager at Logistics UK, added that airspace modernisation, new aircraft designs and sustainable aviation fuel point to “cleaner and quieter skies while driving economic growth”.
FedEx also urged that cargo remains central as the plan moves to delivery. Alun Cornish, managing director – ramp and gateways at FedEx Europe, said: “Air connectivity isn’t just a convenience; it’s the backbone of international trade and economic strength… to unlock its full potential, cargo growth must remain a priority alongside passenger flights.”
READ MORE: UK government backs Heathrow expansion to boost air freight capacity
He added that FedEx looks forward to working with policymakers to ensure the UK “remains a trading powerhouse”.
For supply-chain operators and exporters, the headline benefit is additional bellyhold lift tied to an expanded passenger schedule, with the airport’s surface-access works expected to improve landside resilience for time-critical cargo.
The DCO documentation confirms wide-ranging powers for construction, highway alterations, traffic regulation measures, and protective provisions for utilities and rail, with detailed requirements covering construction practices, environmental controls and operational limits.
The secretary of state’s decision letter sets out the policy context and her reasoning for granting consent “with modifications,” noting that the Examining Authority recommended consent only with strengthened conditions to mitigate impacts (including on noise and traffic) so outcomes are more likely to remain within modelled values.
The letter also records further consultations in 2025 before the final decision and confirms that all decision documents, including the made Order, have been published.
The Order comes into force on 12 October 2025, after which Gatwick can proceed through detailed design, discharge of requirements and enabling works.
Parties wishing to challenge the decision must do so via judicial review within the statutory time limit set out in the Planning Act 2008.
All decision materials and the Examining Authority’s report are available via the National Infrastructure Planning portal.
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