Heathrow Third Runway Faces Climate Policy Changes, Government Advisers Say

Government advisers have warned that a third runway at Heathrow Airport cannot be approved under current climate policy.

The Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said Heathrow expansion could go ahead only if the aviation industry helped finance cleaner fuels and paid for technology designed to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Heathrow expansion could increase airfares

The newspaper reported that requiring airlines to cover the cost of decarbonisation could increase airfares. By 2050, a return flight to Alicante could cost about £150 more, while a round trip to New York could be £400 more expensive at today’s prices.

If airport expansion goes ahead, aviation emissions could exceed those of any other single sector of the economy by 2050. Heathrow Airport said expansion and meeting climate targets were “not a choice” and that it could achieve both.

CCC says Heathrow expansion is not aligned with net zero

CCC chair Nigel Topping said: “Our advice today is clear: expansion of Heathrow Airport is not currently in line with the UK’s net zero targets.”

He added: “Governments need to ensure that the aviation industry takes responsibility for its emissions and bears the costs of decarbonisation. No such situation exists today.”

The CCC report cannot prevent the construction of new runways, but it is calling for legislation to hold the aviation industry accountable for reducing its emissions over time.

Government to consider Heathrow runway recommendations

The Department for Transport (DfT) said the government would “carefully consider” the recommendations, along with other responses to its consultation.

The government is assessing airport expansion against four tests: economic impact, climate change, air quality and noise.

No airstrip has been approved. The decision is expected to be determined by a vote in the House later this year.

Heathrow third runway cost and capacity plans

The £33bn project would increase Heathrow’s annual passenger capacity from 85 million to 150 million.

A DfT spokesperson said the expansion would need to align with the UK’s climate change targets, but could “bring around £40bn to the economy and support up to 60,000 local jobs”.

Further information is available from the Committee on Climate Change.