Develop Croydon and its Invest in Croydon programme welcomes today’s confirmation of London Gatwick’s Northern Runway project, marking a significant milestone not only for the airport but for the wider regional economy.
The Court of Appeal has today dismissed the legal challenges brought by two campaign groups against London Gatwick’s Northern Runway Project, ending an eight-year planning and legal process.
The ruling confirms that the Secretary of State for Transport acted lawfully in approving the £2.2 billion scheme in September 2025, and clears the way for construction to move into its design and delivery phase.
Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive of London Gatwick said: “Today’s Court of Appeal decision to comprehensively reject the legal challenges brought by the two campaign groups opposing London Gatwick’s Northern Runway Project, confirms, yet again, that the September 2025 decision by the Secretary of State for Transport to approve the Northern Runway Project was taken properly and lawfully. We are also very pleased that this ruling, from senior Court of Appeal Judges, brings to an end an eight-year planning and legal process which has carefully tested and scrutinised every aspect of our expansion plans on multiple occasions.
“The Northern Runway project will deliver significant business, tourism and trade benefits for the UK, including 14,000 new jobs, a £1bn boost to the economy every year and a comprehensive education, skills and business strategy designed to bring maximum benefits to local people and the Gatwick region.
“This final ruling means that we can now press on with the important job of bringing this exciting project to life and move forward into the design and delivery phase. We would like to thank everyone who has supported our planning application through the various stages and will announce further details in due course.”
Richard Plant, Chair, Invest in Croydon said: “This decision removes the final uncertainty surrounding the £2.2 billion investment, enabling our partner, London Gatwick, to move forward with confidence in delivering one of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects. It also provides businesses and investors with the long-term certainty needed to make investment decisions across the region.
“For Croydon and all of our Develop Croydon Partners, the significance cannot be overstated. Just 15 minutes from London Gatwick by rail, the borough is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the opportunities that increased airport capacity will create. As a key location within the Gatwick Region Airport Economic Zone, Croydon stands to benefit from increased international connectivity, greater trade and investment, new business growth and the creation of thousands of skilled jobs across the region.
“The Northern Runway will strengthen Croydon’s position, enhancing its attractiveness for occupiers, investors and developers seeking access to both the capital and one of the UK’s fastest-growing international gateways. It will support the borough’s ambitious regeneration programme, boost confidence in the local economy and reinforce Croydon as a highly connected destination for business investment.
“This is more than an investment in airport infrastructure – it is an investment in the long-term economic future of Croydon and the wider region. We congratulate London Gatwick on reaching this important milestone and look forward to continuing to work together to maximise the economic benefits for Croydon, its businesses and its communities.”