Third Heathrow runway should only go ahead if airlines pay for cleaner flying, say advisers
Summary
The UK government’s advisers say Heathrow Airport’s third runway should only be approved if the aviation industry pays for cleaner fuels and carbon removal technologies to reduce pollution. This will likely increase flight costs by 2050 but help meet the country’s climate goals.Key Facts
- The Climate Change Committee (CCC) advises that Heathrow’s runway expansion must include funding from airlines for cleaner fuels and carbon dioxide removal.
- Without these changes, Heathrow’s expanded airport would produce more carbon emissions than any other part of the UK economy by 2050.
- The increased costs of cleaner flying could raise the price of flights, for example by £150 for a return trip to Alicante and £400 for New York.
- The government is consulting on Heathrow’s expansion using four tests: economy, climate, air quality, and noise. A final decision will come from a vote in Parliament.
- The £33 billion project would increase Heathrow’s passenger capacity from 85 million to 150 million per year.
- Many of the carbon removal technologies needed to meet climate targets don’t yet exist at a large scale.
- Airlines UK says the approach must be affordable and warns higher costs could limit flying to wealthier people.
- The government says any airport expansion must fit with the UK's climate goals but could bring economic and job benefits.
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