UK Secretary of State for Transport issues 'minded to approve' letter for London Gatwick Airport DCO
UK's Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander issued (27-Feb-2025) a 'minded to approve' letter for the development consent order (DCO) associated with London Gatwick Airport's northern runway development project. As previously reported by CAPA, the expansion to bring the runway into routine use has the potential to add 60,000 flights p/a, 35,000 new jobs and GBP2 billion to the economy p/a. Ms Alexander stated: "I am issuing a minded to approve decision that provides some additional time to seek views from all parties on the provisions, prior to a final decision. The deadline for the final decision is now extended to 27 October 2025 (an extension of 9 months)". [more - original PR]
Background ✨
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander's 'minded to approve' decision for Gatwick's northern runway project aligns with broader UK government efforts to expand airport capacity, including at Heathrow and Luton, to boost economic connectivity1 2. A survey indicated strong public support for the Gatwick expansion, with 80% of respondents in the south east backing the runway's routine use3. The project has also received endorsements from significant business groups, representing 105,000 businesses4.