London Gatwick Airport’s proposed Northern Runway project could transform the Sussex visitor economy. However, opposition still remains, with environmental concerns front and centre.
The project potentially adds £275 million annually by attracting high-spending international tourists. If approved in 2025, the initiative would allow the airport to handle an additional 1.6 million international passengers each year by 2038.
This growth aligns with Sussex’s ambition to elevate its global appeal and draw visitors who stay longer and spend more. Despite efforts to address concerns through noise mitigation and sustainable design, opposition nevertheless remains strong.
Sussex Visitor Economy Growth Strategy
The Sussex Visitor Economy Growth Strategy aims to increase international tourist numbers by 500,000 annually by 2034, growing the sector’s value from £5 billion to £7.5 billion.
Tourism already supports over 74,000 jobs in Sussex, making up 14% of the county’s workforce. The Northern Runway project is a vital step toward achieving these goals, offering a chance to unlock significant economic growth for the region.
Currently, international visitors account for just 2% of Sussex’s tourists but contribute 20% of total visitor spending.
To boost this, Gatwick plans to expand long-haul flights to key markets like Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, and China.
With 54 long-haul routes already in operation, the airport is strengthening the UK’s role as a global travel hub. Enhanced connectivity to Southeast Asia and the Gulf will further support Sussex’s tourism goals.
Gatwick Airport Increased Capacity
If approved, the Northern Runway could add 60,000 flights annually, with passenger numbers reaching 80.2 million by 2047. This increase in capacity would bring more long-haul routes, making Sussex more accessible to international travellers.
The project is expected to create 14,000 new jobs and contribute an additional £1 billion to the regional economy each year, building on Gatwick’s existing £5.5 billion economic impact and 76,000 jobs supported nationwide.
Richard Lennard, Economic Partnerships Manager at London Gatwick and a member of the Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) Advisory Board, emphasized the project’s broader impact.
“The Northern Runway is about more than just airport capacity. It’s about connecting Sussex to fast-growing global markets and creating new opportunities for our region.”
“By welcoming 1.6 million more international visitors annually by 2038, we’re driving tourism as a catalyst for economic growth.”
Opposition to the Northern Runway Project
London Gatwick’s Northern Runway project has sparked significant opposition from local communities and environmental groups.
Critics, including the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign (GACC) and Extinction Rebellion, argue that the plan to increase annual flights by 100,000 and passenger numbers to 80.2 million by 2047 will harm the environment.
They highlight risks of heightened noise, air pollution, and carbon emissions, which could undermine the UK’s 2050 net-zero target.
Local residents, supported by groups like Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emission (CAGNE), fear disruptions from increased traffic and noise, accusing Gatwick of expanding “by stealth.”
Protests, such as one in Crawley in March 2024, underscored these concerns, with some residents feeling betrayed by the focus on Gatwick over Heathrow.
A YouGov poll revealed divided opinions, with environmental worries clashing against economic benefits like 14,000 new jobs.
Critics also point to procedural issues, including a lack of transparency and potential loss of green spaces.
Conclusion
Despite Gatwick’s efforts to address concerns through noise mitigation and sustainable design, opposition remains strong.
The project, “minded to approve” in February 2025, awaits a final decision by October 27, 2025, as communities demand greater accountability.
The £2.2 billion privately funded project would bring Gatwick’s existing Northern Runway into regular use, enhancing the airport’s ability to meet rising demand.
By fostering stronger global connections, the initiative promises to position Sussex as a top destination for international tourists, delivering lasting economic benefits for the region.
