GATWICK Airport has announced plans to convert its emergency runway for routine use - creating almost 20,000 new jobs.

The country's second-biggest airport will launch a public consulation next month on plans to bring its existing northern runway into routine use alongside its main runway.

If approved, the scheme would generate approximately 18,400 additional jobs by 2038 and an additional £1.5 billion for the local economy.

The plans would see the centre line of its emergency runway moved by 12 metres (39ft), far enough from the main runway to be used in parallel for departures.

It is hoped the move will reduce delays and see 75 million passengers per year by 2038.

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, Gatwick Airport, said: “While we are currently experiencing low passenger and air traffic volumes due to the global pandemic, we are confident that Gatwick will not only fully recover to previous passenger levels, but has the potential to continue to grow back into one of Europe’s premier airports.

"Our plans to bring our existing northern runway into routine use will not only help to secure that growth but will also ensure many thousands of additional jobs and a vital boost to the economy for our local region.

The Argus: The plans to add a second runway to Gatwick Airport The plans to add a second runway to Gatwick Airport

“We would like to hear views from local people and interested groups on the proposed northern runway project as part of our comprehensive public consultation process and encourage everyone to take time to review our plans.

“Aside from the economic benefits our plans will have, we remain committed to our sustainability goals, and our northern runway plans are designed to be a low impact way of unlocking new capacity from our existing infrastructure, much of which is already in place.”

The proposals have angered campaigners with some claiming bosses are ignoring the climate emergency.

However, Gatwick said the project is low impact and are in line with Government policy of making best use of existing runways.

"The project will be delivered in a sustainable way which helps to achieve the Government’s overall goal of net zero emissions by 2050," it added.

The consultation will open on September 9.

In order to gain planning permission to routinely use the stand-by runway, Gatwick must follow the Development Consent Order process which culminates in a final decision by the Transport Secretary.