The government said the privately financed scheme is now on course to bring the airport’s standby northern runway into full use from 2030, allowing up to 100,000 additional flights a year and supporting 14,000 jobs across the region.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the ruling ended years of uncertainty over the project, which involves shifting the existing northern runway 12m to enable simultaneous operations while meeting international safety standards.

The expansion will also include terminal extensions, new airport buildings and major highway improvements, including a flyover over the South Terminal roundabout and upgrades to the North Terminal roundabout.

At peak, around 3,200 construction workers will be on site.

New South Terminal junction flyover

The Department for Transport said the project would generate an estimated £1bn a year in economic benefits while increasing airline competition and expanding Gatwick’s network of more than 200 destinations.

The government added that airport expansion projects remain subject to strict requirements on air quality, carbon emissions and noise, alongside wider investment in sustainable aviation fuels and zero emission aircraft technology.