Gatwick will fight back if government backs Heathrow expansion

Gatwick Airport will launch a legal challenge if the government decides to back Heathrow’s expansion.

Friday marks the final day of consultation on pollution by the Airports Commission, which will make a recommendation on a new runway at Heathrow or Gatwick in the next few weeks.

Gatwick claims that expanding Heathrow would be illegal as it would breach EU air pollution laws. Its chief executive officer Steve Wingate said that Heathrow was in breach of air quality targets and that levels would only get worse if a third runway is built, suggesting that this might form the basis of a legal challenge.

However, Heathrow hit back, saying it would instigate measures to mitigate pollution and that the airport is the best place for expansion.