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Third Heathrow runway should only go ahead if airlines pay for cleaner flying, say advisers
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- The Climate Change Committee (CCC) stated that Heathrow's third runway cannot be approved without changes to climate policies, emphasizing that the aviation industry must fund cleaner fuels and carbon removal technologies to align with the UK's Net Zero target.
- Expansion would make Heathrow the largest single carbon emitter by 2050, with increased flight costs potentially adding around £150 for Alicante and £400 for New York return trips by then.
- The CCC recommends the aviation industry bear the costs of decarbonisation, which could modestly increase ticket prices over 25 years, but the airline sector warns this could make flying unaffordable for many without government support.
- Technologies for large-scale carbon removal are currently undeveloped, and some experts argue that without limiting flight growth, the UK will fail to meet its climate goals despite the CCC's recommendations.
- The government has yet to approve the runway expansion, with a Commons vote expected later this year; ministers have indicated they plan to proceed, citing economic benefits and job creation despite environmental concerns.
