Rachel Reeves today insisted expanding Gatwick airport can 'kickstart' the economy - even though the second runway might not operate until 2029.
The Chancellor has hailed the scheme getting the go-ahead from the government, saying it means 'thousands more jobs and billions more in investment'.
Ms Reeves is desperate to find a way of encouraging growth as she faces a yawning black hole in the finances at the Budget in November.
However, sources are only mooting 2029 as a target for the first flights taking off from the new full runway at the Sussex hub.
It is expected to take until the late 2030s to achieve the full benefits in terms of extra passengers.
