Story perspectives

Heathrow third runway blocked without climate policy changes

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 6:46 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Climate Change Committee says Heathrow’s third runway cannot be approved without climate policy changes.
Expansion could proceed only if aviation funds cleaner fuels and carbon-capture.
Once built, the expanded airport would emit more CO2 than any other single UK sector by 2050.
The £33 bn project would raise capacity to 150 million passengers and could add £40 bn to the economy.

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Story summary

Climate Change Committee says Heathrow’s third runway cannot be approved without climate policy changes.
Expansion could proceed only if aviation funds cleaner fuels and carbon-capture.
Once built, the expanded airport would emit more CO2 than any other single UK sector by 2050.
The £33 bn project would raise capacity to 150 million passengers and could add £40 bn to the economy.