London’s High Court has ruled that UK approval for Gatwick Airport’s expansion was lawful, clearing an important legal hurdle for the country’s second-busiest airport.

Reuters-based reports say the ruling allows Gatwick to proceed with plans to expand capacity, including bringing its standby runway into regular use and adding infrastructure to handle more passengers. Court material confirms the challenge concerned the development consent order granted for the project.

Campaigners had challenged the approval on grounds including climate, noise and local environmental impacts. The court ruling is a legal victory for the airport and the government, but it does not end the political argument over aviation growth and emissions.

The expansion debate sits at the centre of the UK’s growth-versus-climate tension. Supporters argue extra capacity can support trade, tourism and jobs. Opponents say airport expansion risks undermining climate commitments and increasing noise and air pollution for surrounding communities.