London Gatwick Airport and the London Chamber of Commerce are calling on the UK government to approve plans to put its northern runway into regular use to help boost trade.
The airport’s plans are currently with the government waiting for approval. If given approval, Gatwick figures show this would bring in an additional 60,000 flights per year and boost cargo volumes to 161,500 tonnes by 2038 compared with 61,000 tonnes in 2023 (the latest full-year figures available) and more than double 2019 levels - its busiest year in terms of flight numbers.
The airport said the majority of imported cargo through London Gatwick currently arrives in the belly of aircraft from long-haul destinations in Asia and the Middle East – "key trade markets which would be further supported by increasing flights to and from the airport".
Gatwick Airport chief executive Stewart Wingate said: "It’s promising that government is actively facilitating discussions on the importance and growth of UK aviation freight, and in particular the resilience across the south east, and unlocking long-term growth for the sector to improve UK competitiveness.
“Many businesses and individuals across the South East are supported by having London Gatwick on their doorstep. We are confident that by bringing our existing Northern Runway into regular use, we’ll continue to grow our global connections and drive growth for the region’s people and businesses.”
London Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Karim Fatehi added: “There is a £2bn a year economic boost within our grasp if we bring London Gatwick’s Northern Runway into regular use.
"We could double international trade passing through the airport, encouraging home grown and international investment and creating 35,000 new jobs.
“Trade through airports is essential for London and the wider UK’s business community. Our Green Skies report shows that four in five London business leaders agree that air connectivity is vital to London’s global competitiveness, international trade, and economic growth.
"Opening up the runway would create opportunities for businesses to expand their operations overseas, and to access growing markets in the US, Asia and the Middle East.
“We call on the Government to seize this opportunity to boost economic growth and productivity for the entire UK.”
The airport also pointed to a report by the Oxford Economics that showed the Gross Value Added (GVA) contribution to the UK’s economy generated from imported cargo could increase to £9.8bn in 2038, more than twice the value in 2019, and £2.1bn higher than without the Northern Runway.
Under its existing planning agreement, Gatwick’s standby runway is used only when the main runway is closed for maintenance or emergencies.
The UK government recently unveiled its plans for boosting economic growth in the country, backing plans to expand Heathrow Airport.
