Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has said that Gatwick should get government backing for a second runway ahead of the recommended option of a third runway at Heathrow.

Above: Gatwick Airport chief exec Stewart Wingate with London mayor Sadiq Khan

Sadiq Khan said: “The new prime minister has a very important decision to make regarding new airport capacity, and I urge her to rule as swiftly as possible in favour of a second runway at Gatwick, which would bring substantial economic benefits.”

He was speaking during a visit to Gatwick today to hear about the airport’s plans to increase its capital spending by £200m to improve its facilities. This means that the total invested on the airport since new owners took over in 2009 through to 2021 will be £2.5bn.

Some of the projects identified in the 2016-21 capital investment programme announced today include:

• more/bigger shops
• expansion of both departure lounges and immigration halls
• additional aircraft parking stands and taxiway improvements.

Mayor Khan said: “Gatwick is the front door to London for millions of visitors to our city and I salute their decision to spend another £200m on improvements to the airport. They have put together a formidable plan that is a fantastic display of their confidence in London.”