Gatwick’s plans to bring a secondary runway into regular operation have received a boost from the UK aviation regulator.
The Civil Aviation Authority said it had accepted new commitments proposed by the airport to airlines for four years until 2028-29.
These include a price cap that limits how much Gatwick can charge airlines, which will ensure “real reductions” in airport charges, as well as changes and strengthening of current service quality targets and rebates to carriers.
“This means Gatwick will focus on areas of operation that have been challenging, as a result of an enhanced measure on the air traffic performance provided by the Gatwick control tower, operated by Nats, and the introduction of incentives to improve special assistance services,” the CAA said.
However, regulator’s support for Gatwick’s commitments is conditional on it “continuing to make progress with its plans for capacity expansion”.
The CAA “believes capacity improvements at Gatwick are important to passengers and there are benefits to consumers in expanding capacity.
“This includes meeting the demands of passengers in the choice of destinations available, providing the opportunity for greater competition between airlines, and improving the resilience of airport infrastructure.”
The £2.2 billion second runway project is now at the decision stage, with transport secretary Heidi Alexander reviewing a report from the Planning Inspectorate.
A final decision is expected soon – potentially by Thursday of this week.
The CAA said it is now modifying Gatwick’s licence and is inviting stakeholders to comment on proposed modifications by March 25.
A decision is due to be published shortly after this date on the modifications that will be made to the licence, the authority added.