The UK Climate Change Committee has advised that Heathrow's proposed third runway should not receive development consent unless the aviation industry covers the full cost of its emissions by 2050. The committee says expansion is incompatible with current carbon budgets and net zero targets, and airlines would need to pay for sustainable aviation fuel and engineered carbon removals. This could add roughly £150 to a return flight to Alicante and £400 to New York by 2050, in today's prices. The committee warns that engineered carbon removals, which would provide 36% of the needed reductions, have credible plans covering only 1% of the required amount by 2035. It calls for the government's revised Jet Zero Strategy to include funding, delivery schedules, and contingency measures. Airlines UK argues that passing costs to passengers would make holidays unaffordable, while Heathrow insists expansion and climate goals can both be achieved. The approval process continues, with a final planning decision targeted for 2029. The committee also wants the government to assess whether the completed project would comply with the 2050 net zero target, and to update assessments of construction and surface transport emissions.
