Expansion needs cleanup

The Climate Change Committee says Heathrow should expand only if airlines pay to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“The polluter-pays principle must apply.”

Budgets would break

A third runway and new terminals would breach UK carbon budgets and put the 2050 net zero target out of reach under current policies.

Three fixes, one bill

The CCC says aviation must get more efficient, use more sustainable fuel, and buy permanent carbon removal for the emissions left over.

“The government cannot expand Heathrow airport without requiring the aviation industry to clean up its emissions.”

Passengers may pay

Airlines would likely pass costs on. By 2050, a return flight to Alicante could rise by about £150, and New York by about £400.

Campaigners reject the bet

Friends of the Earth says SAF and carbon removal are too unproven to justify decades of higher emissions from airport growth.

“There is no plausible way to expand Heathrow without wrecking the UK’s climate targets.”

Flying is unequal

Only half of people in England fly abroad in a given year. The top 5% of frequent flyers took a third of all flights in 2024.

Aviation keeps growing

UK passenger demand has nearly tripled since 1990. Aviation now makes up 9% of UK emissions and emits more than power generation.

Industry pushes back

Heathrow says growth and net zero can go together. Airlines UK says the CCC plan would make holidays unaffordable for millions.

“You can’t solve the climate crisis by pricing Britain out of the skies.”

Ministers decide next

The government does not have to follow CCC advice, but must show any Heathrow expansion fits net zero. It points to SAF funding, cleaner tech, jobs, and growth.

“Any expansion proposal [for Heathrow] would need to align with our net zero targets.”