Gatwick Is Set To Expand — And So Will Its Carbon Footprint

Gatwick’s expansion plans have cleared a court challenge, making way for 100,000 additional flights at the airport.

The plans have been given the green-light after a legal battle with environmental campaigners who argued its Northern Runway Project could increase emissions by nearly 1 million tons. The West Sussex airport emitted 4.4 million tons of CO2-equivalent in 2025.

The Court of Appeal on Tuesday rejected a bid by environmental campaigners hoping to appeal previously-defeated challenges against the scheme’s approval. They argued that the UK government, which previously approved the project, has not properly assessed the climate impact. 

The decision could set precedent for other airports looking to expand. A parliamentary vote is expected by the end of the year on the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, which could clear the way for an official planning application for Heathrow’s controversial third runway. 

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