Britain is losing its competitive edge if a second route to Gatwick is not approved, ministers have warned.
In a letter seen by the Mail, more than 50 business groups urged Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander to support plans to use the northern runway.
Currently, the additional route at the West Sussex hub is used for taxis and emergencies.
But with permission for regular use, the airport could add more long-haul routes, create 14,000 jobs and boost the economy by £1billion a year, it added. letter.

‘Competition Surface’: Currently, the runway at Gatwick is used for taxis and emergencies.
This will provide a ‘significant boost (to) the economy by helping new jobs, tourism and trade’, according to the letter prepared by the business group Gatwick Diamond Initiative (GDI).
It was supported by 55 signatories including the Confederation of British Industry. GDI chairman Brett North said the approval of the runway was a ‘huge step’ for the economic growth of the South East.
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