Gatwick Airport has announced a strategic partnership with Bechtel to deliver a potential second runway at Gatwick by 2025.

For the past two years Bechtel has been working with Gatwick Airport on developing a robust delivery programme, execution plan and logistics strategy to support the on-time delivery of a second runway and midfield terminal.

As part of this planning work, Bechtel has confirmed that expansion at Gatwick Airport is low risk and benefits from minimal critical interfaces with existing infrastructure - making it deliverable by 2025, with a government decision this year to expand Gatwick.

The British government is expected to reveal which of Gatwick and Heathrow will be given the go-ahead for expansion in the near future.

Bechtel project managed the Channel Tunnel and HS1 and is currently providing programme management services for completion of Crossrail.

Renowned architect Terry Farrell has also been working on shaping Gatwick’s vision of a new runway and terminal facility for a number of years - and will work with Bechtel to bring the project to fruition. 

Farrell led the design team for Incheon airport, which has been voted best airport in the world.

Gatwick Airport chief executive Stewart Wingate said: “Bechtel is a global leader with a strong track record in delivering significant infrastructure projects and we look forward to working together to deliver the UK’s next runway.

“Gatwick expansion can happen quickly because it is simple and low risk with a dramatically lower environmental impact.

“A bigger Gatwick would generate the new long haul routes and the economic boost that Britain needs.

“It’s time for Gatwick to deliver the certainty and growth the UK needs.”