Gatwick Airport's Future: Growth or Growing Pains?
The UK Transport Secretary is about to decide on a major expansion for Gatwick Airport, the country's second-largest hub. 
Currently handling over 40 million passengers a year, Gatwick could soar to 75 million by the late 2030s with the new plans, turning Europe’s busiest single-runway airport even busier.
What's the Buzz?
Supporters are excited about the potential boost to the economy. The expansion could create up to 35,000 new jobs and inject an extra $2.5 billion annually into the economy. 
Imagine more opportunities for young professionals and entrepreneurs!
But not everyone is thrilled. Local residents and environmentalists are raising their voices against the changes. 
The Noise Factor
Sally Pavey, Chair of Communities Against Gatwick Noise Emissions, highlighted the ongoing struggle with nighttime flights: \"You have to understand that Gatwick is 24/7, so it flies over at night-time. For people trying to sleep, that is really not good news especially as Gatwick is quiet in the winter and busy in the summer, so when people want to sit in their gardens, when people want to have the windows open… they have noise like that going over their houses.\"
Peter Barclay from the Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign echoed these concerns: \"You certainly feel the vibration… The carbon emission impact is absolutely critical.\"
Balancing Growth and Green Goals
As Gatwick aims to ramp up operations, finding the sweet spot between economic growth and environmental sustainability is key. Will the expansion take off or hit turbulence? Stay tuned as the Transport Secretary weighs the options!
Reference(s):
Divided opinion over possible expansion of UK's second-biggest airport
cgtn.com
