The Masterplan also confirms that a second runway will be needed to accommodate such growth and, although legal constraints prohibit this before 2019, airport owners Ferrovial estimate that it could be started in 2020 and operational three years later.

A second runway and accompanying third terminal would require the airport complex to increase in size to 1,241 hectares and would support just under 42,000 jobs further enhancing the airport’s role as a regional economic driver.

However, increasing concern over the contribution of aviation to greenhouse gasses and global warming will have to be addressed before the expansion plans can be finalised. Aviation is the fastest growing source of greenhouse gasses and although only contributing about 7% of total emissions now, it is anticipated to increase dramatically over the next 20 years.

To dowload a copy of the Gatwick Airport Interim Master Plan visit www.baa.com. A hard copy of the document is available to view at the Business Forum offices at 8-11 Pavilion Buildings in Brighton. Call Tony Mernagh on 01273 735062 to arrange access.