UK climate advisers say Heathrow third runway needs stricter emissions laws
The Climate Change Committee says Heathrow expansion cannot proceed under current policy unless new legislation makes aviation fund its own decarbonisation by 2050, a change carriers would likely pass to passengers through higher fares.
A government-commissioned report from the Climate Change Committee says there is no credible pathway for a third runway at Heathrow unless the UK legislates to require aviation to cut emissions to net zero by 2050, with the industry rather than taxpayers bearing the cost.
The committee's pathway would have engineered carbon removals supply 36% of the sector's emissions reductions by mid-century and sustainable aviation fuel a fifth. Reduced demand growth would contribute 24%, efficiency improvements the remaining 20%. Airlines would likely recover decarbonisation costs through ticket prices. The committee estimates a return fare from London to Alicante would rise by around £150 by 2050 and a return flight to New York by £400, with the increases introduced gradually.
Its central finding is that expansion should not be approved without the stricter framework in place. The report was written at the government's request and examines whether the airport's proposed growth can be delivered within the country's carbon budgets and net zero targets. The CCC does not itself decide on planning consent.
Sources
- flightglobal.comHeathrow expansion incompatible with UK climate targets under current policy framework: CCC