Gatwick Plans Massive Passenger Surge Sparks Kent Council Fury
Gatwick Airport wants to boost its annual passengers from 46.6 million in 2019 to a staggering 75.6 million by 2038. But Kent County Council (KCC) is not having it.
KCC Slams Northern Runway Plans as a Sneaky Second Runway
KCC’s response sticks to its 2014 Gatwick Airport Policy. Back then, the council opposed the Airports Commission’s plans for a new second runway. Now, Gatwick’s latest move to routinely use the northern runway smacks of an underhanded attempt to become a two-runway airport by the back door.
“KCC has long argued the impacts of Gatwick’s current single runway configuration are already unacceptable, and a potential increase of these impacts on local communities and the environment would be intolerable,” said KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier.
“Bringing the northern runway into operation for departing aircraft will significantly increase the number of aircraft movements that the airport can handle. While we understand that an increase in aircraft movements would enhance the economic benefits of the airport, routine use of the northern runway is not something KCC can support.”
Noise, Pollution, and Poor Transport Links: KCC’s Growing Gripes
- Concerns over intensified use of the main runway
- Rising noise levels from more frequent flights
- Worsening carbon emissions
- Lack of better rail and public transport links for Kent travellers
For full details on KCC’s official stance, visit Kent County Council’s Gatwick Airport position statement.
