Four in every five residents* across Sussex, Surrey and Kent support London Gatwick’s growth plans
- Support strongest among younger age groups, with 89% of 18- to 34-year-olds who expressed a preference in favour.
- Residents said new jobs (76%), the economic boost (73%), new investment and business (69%) and new international connections (73%) were all important factors of London Gatwick’s growth plans.
- Among those who expressed a preference, a majority in every local, district and unitary authority across the region support the plans.
80% of residents across the South East – who expressed a preference - support London Gatwick’s plans for growth, according to a new YouGov poll.
The survey of more than 2000 people across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Croydon is the fourth in a row to show that four out of five South East residents continue to support the airport’s plans to bring the Northern Runway into routine use, which will see passenger numbers grow to 75m by the late 2030s.
In the latest survey, residents said new jobs (76%), the economic boost (73%), new investment and business (69%) and new international connections (73%) were all important factors of London Gatwick’s growth plans.
Younger age groups support the airport’s plans most, with 89% of 18- to 34-year-olds who expressed an opinion in favour, followed by 79% of 35- to 54-year-olds, and 75% of residents aged 55 or over.
The airport’s plans are currently being considered by government and – if approved - will inject £1bn into the region’s economy every year and support 14,000 new jobs.
London Gatwick’s Northern Runway is currently used as a taxiway or a runway for emergencies. If approved, the airport’s plans would bring it into daily use alongside its Main Runway for departing aircraft, without major disruption.
Stewart Wingate, CEO, London Gatwick said: “This new polling demonstrates how positively people across the region people view our Northern Runway plans. Most recognise the important economic role the airport plays generating new business opportunities and prosperity.
“Our shovel-ready plans will provide a huge boost in terms of economic benefits, jobs and connectivity – clearly factors that are of primary importance to people across the South East, whether they are thinking in the medium term or further into the future.”
NOTES
*Four in five residents who expressed an opinion support London Gatwick’s Northern Runway plans
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2,031 adults living in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Croydon. Fieldwork was undertaken between 12th November - 2nd December 2024. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of adults in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Croydon (aged 18+).
London Gatwick is investing in its long-term future. The airport’s planning application to bring its existing Northern Runway into routine use has been independently reviewed by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS), which has submitted its recommendation to the Secretary of State. A decision is expected in early 2025. London Gatwick’s low-impact plan will improve resilience, reduce delays, and provide a significant boost to the national and regional economy by supporting trade, tourism, and new jobs.
With 41 million annual passengers, London Gatwick is the UK’s second largest and one of Europe’s top ten airports. It is a vital piece of national infrastructure that drives both the national and regional economies by generating £5.5 billion GVA and supporting over 76,000 jobs (2023). Almost 60 airlines fly from the airport to over 150 short-haul and more than 50 long-haul destinations. With a declared capacity of 55 movements an hour, London Gatwick is the most efficient single runway airport in the world.
The airport is located 28 miles south of the UK capital and is extremely well-connected, with more than a quarter of England’s population (15 million people) – including all of London – less than one hour away by road or rail. A six-year, £2 billion sustainable growth programme includes an ambitious plan to be a net zero airport by 2030 and to increase capacity by bringing the airport’s existing Northern Runway into routine use, alongside its Main Runway. Vinci Airports owns a 50.01% stake in the airport, with Global Infrastructure Partners managing the remaining 49.99%.
The world’s leading private airport operator, VINCI Airports operates more than 70 airports in 14 countries. Thanks to its expertise as a global integrator, VINCI Airports develops, finances, builds and manages airports by providing its investment capacity and its know-how in optimizing operational performance, modernizing infrastructure and managing their operations and environmental transition. VINCI Airports is the first airport operator to have committed to an international environmental strategy in 2016, to achieve the goal of net zero emissions across its entire network by 2050.
For more information:
Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) is a leading infrastructure investor that specializes in investing in, owning and operating some of the largest and most complex assets across the energy, transport, digital infrastructure and water and waste management sectors. With decarbonization central to our investment thesis, we are well positioned to support the global energy transition. Headquartered in New York, GIP has offices in Brisbane, Dallas, Hong Kong, London, Melbourne, Mumbai, Singapore, Stamford and Sydney.
GIP has approximately $115 billion in assets under management. Our portfolio companies have combined annual revenues of approximately $71 billion and employ over 116,000 people. We believe that our focus on real infrastructure assets, combined with our deep proprietary origination network and comprehensive operational expertise, enables us to be responsible stewards of our investors' capital and to create positive economic impact for communities. For more information, visit www.global-infra.com.
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London, UK, 9 December 2024
Businesses urge government to support London Gatwick’s expansion plans in drive for growth
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