The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced its support for Gatwick Airport’s proposed expansion, despite the potential development of a third runway at Heathrow. According to the CAA, there are benefits to consumers from expanding Gatwick Airport’s capacity, including providing a wider variety of destinations, increasing competitive pressure on airlines, and enhancing the resilience of airport infrastructure.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has until Thursday to decide whether to approve Gatwick’s plan to bring its emergency runway into regular use. This would allow the airport to accommodate an additional 100,000 flights annually. Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has expressed her support for Heathrow’s third runway project.
The CAA has published its final proposals to accept new commitments from Gatwick for the upcoming four financial years. This includes a price cap on how much Gatwick can charge airlines, with a maximum increase of CPI minus 1% for the first two years and CPI plus 0% for the final two years. Additionally, Gatwick has plans to improve its service quality targets and introduce financial incentives for enhanced special assistance services.
CAA Group Director of Consumers and Markets, Selina Chadha, emphasized the authority’s commitment to delivering benefits for consumers while promoting growth, investment, and efficiency in the aviation industry. The CAA expects to make its final decision on Gatwick’s commitments by May or June.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/feb/25/gatwick-heathrow-expansion-caa
