The Gatwick Diamond Initiative has issued a public call for businesses across the region to voice their views on the proposed Northern Runway at London Gatwick Airport, following its own formal response to the Department for Transport.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, the business-led partnership representing over 45,000 enterprises in the South East expressed support for the runway expansion, subject to conditions outlined by the Examining Authority.
The Initiative backed Gatwick Airport Limited’s revised commitments on environmental and transport impacts, describing them as a balanced approach to economic and environmental concerns.
The Initiative highlighted specific measures such as new air noise limits, improved insulation schemes, and a Transport Mitigation Fund as examples of GAL’s willingness to manage the impact.
The organisation also urged the Government to reconsider the moderate weighting assigned to the economic benefits of the project, arguing that they represent a larger national opportunity, particularly in the context of limited runway capacity in Greater London.
Brett North, CEO of the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, said: “We’re encouraging other businesses across the Gatwick Diamond to speak up now. If we want investment, jobs and better global links, we have to make sure the Government hears it from more than just the usual voices. This is a real test of whether our region backs growth and infrastructure – not just in words but in action.”
The letter positions the Northern Runway as a cost-efficient, private-sector-funded development that could ease pressure on UK aviation capacity and support Government priorities around exports, levelling up and investment. Gatwick Airport London’s willingness to adopt conditions in line with other national projects, such as London Luton Airport, was referenced as evidence of the project’s viability.
The Initiative also framed the proposal as a strategic opportunity that could deliver long-term benefits without public funding. It argued that the Government’s decision would send a signal about the UK’s openness to private infrastructure investment during a period of national economic adjustment.
Brett North said: “This isn’t just a runway – it’s a message to the world that the South East is ready to grow. It’s time for the wider business community to get off the fence and add their names to the conversation.”
The Gatwick Diamond Initiative is now inviting other businesses in the region to submit their views to the Department for Transport before a final decision is made.
Businesses can respond by emailing gatwickairport@planninginspectorate.gov.uk by 9 June. For more information, visit the website: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/TR020005/documents