Gatwick Airport cheap flights in March for a trip away

A decision on the airport’s proposal for bringing Gatwick’s emergency runway into routine use has been delayed.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced she is prepared to support the expansion of Gatwick Airport if the project is adjusted.

Gatwick has until April 24 to respond to the new proposals.

While Ms Alexander is expected to make a final decision shortly after this, although her deadline for this has been extended to October 27.

With that, and the potential for more flights being offered, we have rounded up some of the cheap flights you can get from Gatwick Airport for a trip away.

Cheap flights from Gatwick Airport

According to the website Skyscanner, there are a number of cheap flights for less than £100 in March.

Here are five countries you can explore on a budget:

France

There are many flight locations in France, such as Lyon, Grenoble, Marseille, and of course Paris.

Direct flights going out and returning can be less than £100 depending on the day you fly out.

There are also several hotels that are available for cheaper money, Skyscanner says.

Ireland

With flights to Dublin, Cork and more, there are plenty of places to explore in Ireland on a flight that won’t eat into your holiday time.

From the Kilmainham Gaol Museum to the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin has plenty to do on a weekend away.

With a flight time of just over an hour and tickets possible for less than £100 per person, it is a great option.

Morocco

This North African country is rich with things to do and see.

Agadir, Morocco at sunset (Image: Getty Images) Flights to Agadir and Marrakech are among the cheaper places to fly to from Gatwick.

TripAdvisor suggests visits to the Majorelle Garden, Bahia Palace and more.

Spain

The classic option for those in search of sun, Spain is a classic option for all holidaymakers.

From the classics like Malaga, Mallorca and Alicante, to Bilbao and Barcelona and the Canary Islands too, the country has something for everyone.

Some flights for a weekend away can be less than £100, so for those on a budget and in need of a tan, this is a great option.

Barcelona remains a popular holiday destination (Image: Getty Images)

Italy

Last on our list is Italy, which offers great options for Rome, Naples, Milan, Venice, and more.

From sightseeing at the Colosseum and the Pantheon to a boat trip along the Grand Canal, there’s lots to enjoy.

Flights to Italy can also be purchased for less than £100 in March.

What are Gatwick’s expansion plans?

Gatwick’s £2.2 billion privately financed project would see it move the emergency runway 12 metres north, enabling it to be used for departures of narrow-bodied planes such as Airbus A320s and Boeing 737s.

This would enable it to be used for around 100,000 more flights a year.

Gatwick’s plan also involves remodelling and replacing existing taxiways – which connect runways to terminals, hangars and other facilities – extending both terminals and installing new aircraft gates.