Households most affected by noise from a second runway at Gatwick would receive annual compensation equivalent to Band A Council Tax – currently £1,000 – the airport announced today.
More than 4,000 households could qualify for the scheme.
Chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “Expansion at Gatwick would, without doubt, deliver many upsides for our local community in terms of jobs and investment.
“But we must also recognise the negative noise impacts on local people from more flights.
“Gatwick’s location obviously means that comparatively fewer people would be affected by a new runway. However, I believe we must do more to help those that would be affected.
“How we best compensate communities affected by major infrastructure projects is an issue facing a growing number of sectors – from aviation to energy. Our proposal would see the people most affected by expansion at Gatwick receiving monetary compensation.
“Under the scheme, we are pledging £1,000 towards council tax for qualifying households in the local area, if and when a second runway became operational.”
He added: “Our current estimate is that as many as 4,100 households could qualify for this scheme and so this would provide a real and positive benefit to a significant number of people.
“Environmental issues are at the centre of the debate about runway capacity in the southeast, and noise reduction, mitigation and compensation are therefore at the heart of our expansion plans.
“This scheme will be a cornerstone of our planned package of measures for local residents.”
Gatwick claims its location to the south of London means the potential impact on people is at a much lower level than at Heathrow.
Addressing the impact of noise on local communities will be a critical issue in winning local support, and for the Airports Commission’s assessment of its shortlisted options, which include a second runway at Gatwick, a third runway at Heathrow or the extension of an existing runway at the London hub.
Gatwick announced plans earlier this year to offer hundreds more local homes up to £3,000 towards double glazing and loft insulation.