Gatwick airport: What boost in flights could mean for UK climate goals
Planned expansions at Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton could add up to hundreds of thousands of flights annually, posing new challenges for the UK to meet its net zero targets.
The planned second runway at Gatwick could add about 100,000 flights a year. If Heathrow secures approval for a third runway, it might see an extra 276,000 flights, alongside an expansion at Luton.
Meeting the UK’s net zero by 2050 target will require a substantial reduction in aviation emissions. Newer models, such as the Airbus A320neo, are 15–20% more fuel efficient than older jets, but this alone falls short of what’s needed.
In its latest report, the Climate Change Committee warns that rising emissions from flying threaten the UK’s legally binding carbon budgets. Last year, aviation emissions rose 9%, driven by increasing demand for international leisure travel—the main focus at Gatwick.
While not ruling out all airport growth, the CCC recommends measures to curb passenger demand. Since 2021, the UK’s carbon budgets have included international aviation and shipping, making runway decisions integral to the country’s climate commitments.
Sustainable fuel push
Authorities are pinning hopes on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to bridge the gap. Produced from waste oils, biomass or captured CO2, SAF can significantly lower lifecycle emissions. However, current supply is limited and costly.
A government mandate requires 2% of jet fuel to be sustainable this year, rising to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040. A proposed bill would guarantee SAF producers a minimum price, funded by a levy on fuel suppliers—costs likely passed to passengers.
Looking further ahead, hydrogen-powered, electric or hybrid aircraft could offer deeper cuts. Yet these options demand major design overhauls, new airport infrastructure and a supply of affordable green hydrogen or advanced batteries—resources still some years away.
Expanding airport capacity risks undermining the UK’s emissions targets unless aviation decarbonizes through more efficient aircraft, sustainable fuels or radical new technologies.
This topic was reported by BBC.
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