The West Sussex authorities have accepted the application made by the London-Gatwick airport management company, which requested to make operational a runway currently used, in emergencies, as a taxiway or when the main one is closed. Some climate activists said they were "dismayed" and raised concerns about noise and air pollution.

"In the coming weeks, the airport will let residents and other interested parties know how they can register their interest in participating in the review phase of the planning process, so they can submit comments and feedback on our important propositions", said Tim Norwood, a dockyard official.

According to the management company, the plan to build the second runway would cost 2.2 billion pounds and help create around 14,000 new jobs. The final decision is expected by the end of 2024. If finally approved, construction of the runway will begin in 2025 and be operational by the end of the decade.