Gatwick Airport Challenges Government’s Rail Travel Requirement

Gatwick Airport Challenges Government’s Rail Travel Requirement

Gatwick Airport is pushing back against a government demand that would require more than half of its passengers to arrive by train if its proposed expansion is approved. The airport argues that such a condition is beyond its control and could jeopardize its £2.5 billion plan to introduce 100,000 additional flights per year.

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s chief executive, stated that while certain planning conditions—such as reducing noise levels—are feasible, guaranteeing a 54% rail travel rate is not something the airport can ensure. Currently, only 44% of passengers use rail services to reach Gatwick, and increasing this figure would rely on external factors such as train schedules, service reliability, and capacity.

Wingate expressed concerns about the financial implications of the requirement, particularly in relation to the airport’s owner, Vinci. He warned that investing in a new runway could become a risky venture if flights were restricted due to issues with train operators, which are soon to be brought under state control.

Stewart Wingate stated:

"We can’t make an investment that relies on a runway that we can’t use because the railway company hasn’t got a timetable, or hasn’t got the hours of operation, or the size of trains, or prices that allow 54pc of passengers to get to and from the airport."

With less than five weeks to respond to the Planning Inspectorate’s proposals, Gatwick is preparing to challenge the government’s stipulations. The airport intends to submit counterproposals that prioritize traffic management rather than rail dependency.

One of Gatwick’s key arguments is its commitment to reducing road congestion. Instead of a strict rail travel condition, the airport is proposing a £300 million investment in local road infrastructure. This initiative would introduce a series of roadway improvements, including flyovers that bypass roundabouts leading to the airport’s north and south terminals. Wingate argues that these upgrades would effectively manage traffic flow, addressing one of the primary concerns raised by regulators.

Stewart Wingate stated:

"The suite of roadway enhancements would satisfy the chief concern of the Planning Inspectorate, which is to avoid congestion on the local roads close to the airport."

Gatwick has also emphasized its ongoing efforts to enhance air-rail connectivity. Over the years, the airport has contributed millions to the development of its train station, advocated for new rail services, and successfully integrated Gatwick into Transport for London’s Oyster zone. Train services now extend to cities as far as Peterborough and Cambridge, further improving accessibility for passengers.

Additionally, Gatwick has pledged to address noise concerns by adopting quieter aircraft models and phasing out older planes. The airport aims to reduce its noise footprint from 135 square kilometers to 125 square kilometers, making the expansion more environmentally sustainable.

Another government requirement calls for increased spending on noise insulation for surrounding homes. While Gatwick has not opposed this condition, it remains focused on securing planning approval with terms that allow its expansion project to proceed without unrealistic expectations.

As the airport prepares to submit its response, the outcome of its negotiations with the government could significantly impact its expansion timeline. The final decision on Gatwick’s new runway is expected later this year, but the debate over transportation requirements and infrastructure investments remains a key point of contention.