Airports

Gatwick Airport is located directly to the south of the borough. As such, activity at and around the airport affects the borough. 

We are therefore represented on the Gatwick Airport Consultative Committee (GATCOM), which is the statutory advisory body for the airport. Further information on the role of GATCOM and previous minutes please visit GATCOM's website. 

Flight Paths

Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) is currently undertaking two airspace change proposals in accordance with the guidance detailed in the Civil Aviation Authority's CAP 1616 Guidance:

• Gatwick Redesign of Departure and Arrival Routes and Procedures (FASI-South)
• Gatwick Route 4 - Redesign of RNAV SIDs

Given that several borough residents are affected by overflight from Gatwick Airport, we are actively involved in these airspace change proposals. 

Historically we have also made a number of representations to consultations on Gatwick flight paths.

Noise

Information on aircraft noise is available on the Council's Environmental Health webpages.  

Future Developments at Gatwick Airport

On 21 September 2025, the Secretary of State for Transport approved the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway Development Consent Order. Challenges to the decision by way of an application for judicial review can be made to the High Court by 3rd November 2025.

Under the £2.2 billion privately funded scheme, the current emergency runway will be moved 12m north and extended to allow dual runway operations. This could result in up to 100,000 more flights per annum. Airport buildings and facilities will be extended and modified to allow for the increased number of passengers. It is anticipated that the new runway will come into use in 2029.

The M23 spur and A23 to the north of the airport will see extensive alterations, including road widening and flyover introduced over the South Terminal Roundabout. A new junction will be introduced from the North Terminal onto the A23 opposite Riverside Gardens. Longbridge Roundabout will be significantly altered to improve traffic flows. These works are programmed to take 5 years from the start of work. In future, 50% of passengers will be expected to travel to the airport using public transport, walking and cycling.

It is anticipated that the expanded airport, when fully operational, will create 14,000 new jobs and add £1 billion a year to the UK economy. Up to 1,740 new jobs will be created in Reigate & Banstead, resulting in £289m being added to the local economy each year. This will be accompanied by training opportunities and events for local businesses to meet Gatwick businesses.

Whilst aircraft continue to become less noisy, Gatwick Airport Limited will be required to noise insulate properties close to the airport. Affected properties will be contacted by the airport in due course.

Details of Gatwick Airport Limited's plans can be found at Gatwick Airport's website.

Details of Development Consent Order application can be found on the Planning Inspectorate's website.

The Secretary of State's decision and reasons can be found on the Planning Inspectorate's website.