The Climate Change Committee (CCC) has advised that there is no credible pathway for Heathrow Airport expansion within the UK’s climate commitments under current policies.

The independent statutory body says that the only way that expansion could be consistent with the UK’s carbon budgets and net-zero target is if ministers implement a robust set of policies requiring the aviation industry to get to zero emissions by 2050.

Nigel Topping, chair of CCC, said: “Emissions from flying are projected to rise, even without Heathrow expansion, and the UK does not currently have a credible plan to bring them down. That poses a serious challenge to our climate commitments. Our advice today is clear – Heathrow expansion is not currently compatible with the UK’s net-zero target. Government needs to ensure that the aviation industry takes responsibility for the emissions it creates and bears the costs of decarbonisation. Those conditions do not exist today.”

The CCC’s report also sets out a net-zero aviation pathway based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle, covering all UK aviation emissions. In this pathway, in 2050 engineered removals account for 36 per cent of the emissions reduction, lower demand growth 24 per cent, efficiency improvements 20 per cent, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) 20 per cent. Industry would pay for SAF and engineered removals.

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