Gatwick expansion 'has opportunities for Jersey'

The Ports of Jersey chief executive said it marked a "significant milestone"

Plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport have been welcomed by Ports of Jersey bosses.

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander gave the second runway project the go-ahead at the weekend. The £2.2bn project is expected to be completed by 2030.

Matt Thomas, chief executive of Ports of Jersey, said the decision "marks a significant milestone in investment in constrained London airport capacity".

He said that the prospect of additional landing and take-off slots "should enable airlines to be more efficient and schedules more reliable, as well as adding opportunities for growth in route networks".

He also suggested it could bring a wider positive impact to Jersey.

Mr Thomas said: "We look forward to the opportunities this expansion will bring to our community, to the island's connectivity and our wider economy."

UK government ministers approved the plans at the weekend, with mixed reactions from businesses and environmental campaigners.