CCC warns of new taxes and costs linked to Heathrow expansion and net-zero goals

The Climate Change Committee warned that plans to build a third runway at Heathrow Airport were not compatible with Britain's legal target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The body recommended rolling out a 'polluter-pays' framework, requiring aviation firms to cover their own decarbonisation costs. This framework mandates that firms pay for cleaner energy alternatives and carbon-removal technologies. The CCC stated that airlines would pass these costs directly onto customers, with expected increases of up to 9p per mile, phased in over 25 years.

The proposals introduce significant financial burdens on the aviation sector to meet environmental targets. The body noted that the increased costs could be experienced by tourists, potentially amounting to a £150 hike on a return flight to Spain. The proposals are intended to be similar to the current fuel duty on petrol and diesel.