A PUBLIC consultation has begun on plans to bring Gatwick Airport’s emergency runway into routine use.

The proposed project would bring the airports existing northern runway into routine use for departing aircraft alongside the main runway.

The plans, which have an estimated cost of £500m, would see the centre line of the northern runway repositioned further north by 12 metres.

The 12-week public consultation will run from September 9 to December 1.

The proposed project would enable dual runway operations, while meeting all international safety standards.

The Argus: A graphic explaining how the northern runway at Gatwick Airport would work A graphic explaining how the northern runway at Gatwick Airport would work

If the consultation is successful, the northern runway could be operational by 2029.

The majority of the construction works associated with the airfield are contained within the existing airport boundary.

The cost of those works is around £500m and will be privately financed, generating approximately 18,400 additional jobs by 2038 and an additional expected £1.5 billion GVA to the region.

Gatwick says the project will be delivered in a sustainable way which helps to achieve the Government’s overall goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

Gatwick Airport chief executive officer Stewart Wingate said the proposals will help boost their economy, maintain competition within the London market, open up new connections and support a Global Britain.

The Argus: An aerial shot of the two main runway and the northern runway at Gatwick Airport An aerial shot of the two main runway and the northern runway at Gatwick Airport

“They will also open up exciting new employment opportunities, create additional jobs and further enable travel to visit family and friends, take a leisure break or foster trade and business links,” he said.

“Our proposals are forward looking and seek to bring significant benefits for our region.

“I am confident in our future and very pleased to present these proposals for public consultation. We would like to hear views from local residents, and anyone interested in our proposals. I encourage everyone to take time to review our plans and respond by December 1, 2021.”

Those interesting in responding to the consultation can do so by completing the online consultation questionnaire at gatwickairport.com/futureplans or email comments to feedback@gatwickfutureplans.com.

Alternatively, you can complete a hard copy questionnaire and return it using the FREEPOST address: FREEPOST RTRB-LUUJ-AGBY.

Public feedback must be received by 11.59pm on December 1.

Gatwick is the UK’s second largest airport and flies a range of short and long-haul point-to-point services.