High Court Rejects Two Challenges to Gatwick Runway Expansion but Campaigners Plan Appeal

The High Court on 23 June 2026 dismissed two challenges to the government's approval of Gatwick Airport's Northern Runway Project. Mr Justice Mould rejected bids brought by the anti-noise group Cagne and campaigner Peter Barclay, concluding that the scheme would not materially affect the UK's ability to meet net zero targets.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander granted the Development Consent Order in September 2025 for a £2.2 billion plan to move the airport's emergency runway 12 metres north.

The change enables two-runway operations at the West Sussex site, which currently handles about 280,000 flights a year. Capacity is projected to reach 389,000 flights annually by the late 2030s. In a 100-page judgment, the judge rejected arguments that expansion was unnecessary given Gatwick's proximity to Heathrow, about 40 miles away via the M25.

He stated that Alexander had considered both the need for the development and its socio-economic effects, and that her conclusions were rational and supported by proper reasons. The hearing had taken place in January 2026. London Gatwick described the outcome as a victory for common sense.

A spokesperson said the plans would deliver 14,000 new jobs and a £1 billion annual boost to the economy. A Department for Transport spokesperson added that the project balances environmental commitments with economic benefits across the UK. Cagne said it would not accept the judgment as final and its legal team would consider an appeal.

The group, funded by communities in Kent, Surrey and Sussex, cited concerns over infrastructure funding, sewerage, noise, air quality and emissions. Peter Barclay, chairman of the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign, said the decision ignored recommendations against expansion from the Climate Change Committee and the Parliamentary Environmental Audit Committee.