Campaigners to consider appeal after losing High Court challenges over Gatwick expansion

Campaigners fighting against the expansion of London Gatwick Airport have suffered a setback after losing two High Court challenges against the UK government. Despite the legal defeats, the groups stated they are considering an appeal.

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The scheme would not 'materially impact' the government's ability to meet net zero targets.

The core of the legal battles centered on a £2.2 billion plan, approved by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander in September, to relocate Gatwick's emergency runway 12 meters to the north. This move is intended to facilitate dual-runway operations, significantly increasing the airport's capacity.

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A victory for common sense.

Anti-noise group Cagne and campaigner Peter Barclay argued in court that the government had failed to adequately assess the climate impact of the expansion. However, Mr Justice Mould dismissed both challenges, concluding that the scheme would not materially affect the government's ability to meet its net-zero targets. London Gatwick welcomed the ruling, calling it a "victory for common sense."

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The expansion of Gatwick Airport would be 'nothing but an overwhelming positive' for passengers.

The expansion is projected to boost Gatwick's annual flight capacity from approximately 280,000 to 389,000 by the late 2030s. Travel journalist Simon Calder described the expansion as "nothing but an overwhelming positive" for passengers and the local economy, calling it the first significant airport expansion in decades.

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It was 'the first meaningful airport expansion in decades'.