Transport secretary Heidi Alexander gave the go-ahead in principle on Thursday (27 February) but has asked for more evidence about how the development will impact the local area.
In a statement to parliament, she said: "This statement confirms that today I have issued a ‘minded to approve’ letter for the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway Development Consent Order (DCO) under the Planning Act 2008.
"I am issuing a minded to approve decision that provides some additional time to seek views from all parties on the provisions, prior to a final decision."
The deadline for the final decision was extended to 27 October 2025.
