London Gatwick Airport (LGW) predicts that it will double cargo volumes if its plans to use its Northern Runway on a routine basis are realized.
Pre-pandemic, the airport handled around 150,000 tons and predicted in a statement on September 20, 2021, that this would increase to approximately 350,000 by 2047 if the second runway could be used.
“If we realize our plans and the Northern Runway is brought into routine use it will bring significant benefits for the local area, including new jobs and opportunities for business,” Jonathan Pollard, Chief Commercial Officer, Gatwick Airport
The airport announced on August 25, 2021, that it wanted to bring the Northern Runway into routine use by shifting the centerline further to the north. The Northern Runway is currently too close to the main runway for them both to be used at the same time.
Gatwick said cargo volumes would receive a boost thanks to the extra long-haul connectivity that the additional runway would bring.
“With the Northern Runway increasing freight capacity of Gatwick through the return of more long-haul flights, we can see some real benefits for our clients,” commented Janette Deakins, sales manager, at Gatwick-based freight forwarder Transvalair in the statement. “Turnaround times will be faster, and we can avoid having to use lorries to transport freight to other airports, which will help deliver environmental benefits.”
A public consultation on the runway plans is ongoing.