Airport chief says Gatwick's second runway won't clash with net zero

Gatwick plans to spend £2.1bn to permanently use the northern airstrip. Credit: iStock Editorial

The Gatwick CEO insisted airport expansion plans are net zero and will boost the UK economy, months ahead of an expected showdown with climate activists.

Stuart Wingate insisted that the airport would take action to mitigate the impact by increasing flight capacity, and highlighted the «economic benefits» of adding a second runway.

It comes at a time when Rishi Sunak is preparing to confront government climate advisers over demands for ministers to halt airport expansion.

p>

This change will increase Gatwick's annual flight count from 285,000 to 386,000. according to plans presented in July.

Climate change campaigners are preparing to challenge the expansion in a public hearing scheduled for the first half of 2024. on the grounds that it conflicts with the need to reduce the aviation industry's carbon footprint.

They argue that British holidaymakers traveling to Europe should be advised to take the train instead.

This the proposal is also facing resistance from disgruntled residents of Surrey and Sussex due to the extra noise that could be created.

Mr Wingate, the airport's chief executive, told The Telegraph that the expansion scheme is compatible with climate targets Great Britain. and help stimulate the economy.

He said: “In our opinion, these plans are well thought out.”

“They are in line with government policy, and the mitigation proposals we put forward are complete enough to allow the planning inspector to decide in favor of the expansion.

p> Gatwick CEO Stuart Wingate Photo: REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

“We will present arguments that drive development, set out economic benefits, but also describe the environmental impact and the full range of mitigation measures in parallel.”

Mr. campaign by Greenpeace, which opposes the expansion of the airport and is considering whether to intervene in the planning investigation.

Paul Morozzo, Transport spokesman for Greenpeace UK, said: “The only way that opening another runway at Gatwick can be compatible with reaching zero bottom line is to use it to fly kites.

«Not only should this application be rejected, but the expansion of the airport as a whole should be banned.

«To achieve net zero, we need to reduce emissions in all sectors, including aviation, and not increase them.»

CCC said aviation emissions need to be reduced by 63% from pre-Covid levels by 2035 if Britain is to eventually reach its level . net zero targets.

Reductions could be achieved through more efficient aircraft, cleaner fuels, the possible introduction of electric aircraft and so-called demand-side management, where policies discourage consumers from flying.

Greenpeace and other campaign groups have called for a drastic reduction in air travel and for consumers to instead be encouraged to take trains on their European holidays.

However, this could risk foreign holidays being unavailable for millions of British families, given the high cost of rail travel.

A recent Greenpeace study found that, on average, train travel to major European cities costs four times as much. like flying.