GACC NEWSLETTER
Dear Members, Supporters, and Friends,
Judicial review update
We had hoped that the decision on the four-day judicial review hearing in the High Court would be handed down before Easter. However we have received advice from the Judge’s Clerk that an update will be issued after the court’s Easter break (14th April).
Whilst disappointing in some respects the delay does indicate how complex this case is.
The Department of Transport has submitted corrections to some of their climate assessments and this will have no doubt caused a blip in the process.
We’ve mentioned previously its important to recognise that if we win, we have to be ready for an appeal by the other side. And if we lose we ourselves will be looking at appealing.
As you can imagine this is an expensive undertaking. We want to be ready whatever the outcome and so we continue our fundraising efforts. See fund raising details below.
Route 4 – Northern Departure Route
Route 4 Consultation: Your Voice Matters
The ongoing consultation on Route 4 has sparked significant conversation across the region. For those of you not familiar, this consultation relates to proposed changes to the principal departure route to the north of Gatwick known as Route 4. The changes could have a substantial impact on both the environment and the quality of life for residents living near Gatwick.
GACC strongly urges all of you to participate in the consultation process. The public meetings and webinars are now finished but there is a huge amount of information on the Route 4 consultation web site. The changes to these flight paths could see an increase in noise pollution for many communities, so your feedback is crucial in shaping the future of aviation routes around Gatwick.
For more information on how to take part in the consultation, visit Route 4 Consultation Information website (Link here) or contact us directly. You may also find your local council or residents group is actively considering the options and can advise you.
What’s Happening at Gatwick ?
At the beginning of March Gatwick Airport announced that their profits are down by 2.4% from 2024 and passenger numbers are also down (1.1% on 2024). Here is a firm indication that Gatwick’s Big Enough. The decline was linked to an almost 2% drop in short-haul passengers. An analysis of 2025 traffic compared to 2019 (pre-covid and Gatwick’s best ever year) shows an overall 8% drop in passenger numbers.
The evidence shows that growth in short-haul traffic has stalled. Although Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) claims that long-haul traffic has risen by 3.3%, the current conflict in the Middle East will make that a short-lived gain. The short-haul holiday market is likely to see impacts as a result of increased fuel costs as well as passenger concern about flying east. See our Press Release here
Other News
We are constantly engaged in the environmental world as reflected in activities here.
Friends of the Earth have an active petition calling on the government to halt aviation expansion. Please support this important petition here.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a subject that frequently comes to our attention particularly as the aviation industry together with the fossil fuel industry keep trying to wriggle out of their responsibilities. There’s been recent pressure on government to relax legislation on using crop based fuels in SAF. See the Aviation Environment Federation letter to the government here together with a joint letter from Biofuels Watch and ourselves along with other campaigners here.
As always, we will continue to advocate for a sustainable future for the Gatwick area and beyond. From the Route 4 consultation to the ongoing uncertainty over expansion plans, GACC is committed to keeping you informed and ensuring that our voices are heard.
If you’d like to get more involved in any of these ongoing issues, or if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can make sure that the needs of our community are considered in any future developments.
Thank you for your continued support.
Important Diary Dates
Walk the Runway – a sponsored walk around Gatwick – about 13.5miles – to be held on 6th June (subject to appropriate permissions) – more information soon.
GACC AGM – Monday 22nd June – venue to be advised.
Best regards,
The GACC Team
Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign
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Funding continues for this critical Legal Challenge
Please contribute to our Crowd Justice fundraising campaign
Follow this link to the GACC fundraising campaign
Or donations can be made directly to our bank at :
Gatwick Area Conservation Campaign
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Published upon receipt on 6th April 2026