Heathrow third runway needs climate policy change, advisers say

Heathrow Airport's proposed third runway is not compatible with the UK's Net Zero target under existing climate policies, the government's advisers have stated. The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has advised that expansion could proceed only if the aviation industry fully funds cleaner fuels and carbon removal technologies.

The CCC's advice, reported by the BBC, suggests that the £33 billion project, which would increase Heathrow's capacity to 150 million passengers annually, cannot be approved without legislative changes. Nigel Topping, the CCC chair, stated that the government must ensure the aviation industry takes responsibility for its emissions and covers the costs of decarbonisation, conditions which are not currently met.

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Advisers warn that a third runway cannot proceed without significant cuts to aviation's carbon footprint.

Potential impact on flight costs

If the aviation industry is required to fund these measures, the cost of flying could increase. A return trip to Alicante might cost approximately £150 more by 2050, and a journey to New York could be up to £400 more, based on current prices. The CCC suggested that these costs, if spread over 25 years, would be modest, equating to a few pounds per year per flight.

The expanded airport, once operational, is projected to produce more carbon dioxide than any other single sector of the economy by 2050. Heathrow Airport stated that expansion and climate goals are not mutually exclusive and that it aims to achieve both.

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Industry and government response

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport indicated that the government would "carefully consider" the CCC's advice, along with other responses to its consultation. Any expansion must align with the country's climate targets, though the department also noted the potential economic benefits, including an estimated £40 billion to the economy and support for up to 60,000 local jobs.

However, the airline industry has expressed concerns. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, warned that the CCC's plan could make holidays unaffordable for millions and revert flying to being a privilege of the wealthy. He advocated for airspace reform and scaling up sustainable fuels, and suggested the aviation sector should not bear the sole burden of scaling up carbon removal technologies without government support.

The CCC's report does not legally block the runway but urges the government to introduce legislation placing the responsibility for aviation's long-term clean-up on the industry. A formal vote in the House of Commons is expected later this year to approve the planning framework for the expansion.

Concerns about the project have also been raised by the Mayor of London, Lord Sadiq Khan, regarding its climate and noise impact. Additionally, approximately 750 homes are expected to be demolished to accommodate the new runway, impacting residents under the flight path who have long-standing worries about noise and air pollution.