Creating a Third Runway Could Drastically Increase Aviation Emissions

The recent spike in government support for a runway expansion project at London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR) has triggered pushback from local environmentalists. The project, slated for completion by 2035, would drastically increase flight operations and emissions along with it.

Talks of a Heathrow expansion project have been taking shape since 2003. It gained government approval in 2018 before being cancelled due to the environmental impact. This decision was swiftly overturned by the Supreme Court, putting the plans back on the table. Following some pandemic-related delays, regulators are now pushing for a Heathrow expansion more than ever.

“Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to growth and prosperity,” expressed Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye. “A third runway and the infrastructure that comes with it would unlock billions of pounds of private money to stimulate the UK supply chain during construction. Once built, it would create jobs and drive trade, tourism and inward investment to every part of the country.”

As with all construction projects, expanding Heathrow Airport has several downsides. The building process alone damages local habitats, including the Harmondsworth Moor nature refuge and historic site. Once complete, a third runway could bring hundreds more daily flights that generate significant noise pollution and aircraft emissions.

Environmentalists from the University of Bath have not been shy to share their opinions about the expansion. Dr. Rick Lupton, a Senior Lecturer in the university’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, argued that the government’s plans rely too heavily on an increase in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) that won’t come as soon as they may hope.

“Heathrow's analysis of the expansion expects a 50% increase in flights by 2040, which will cause more emissions and climate change,” Dr. Lupton explained. “The Chancellor's suggested solution for this is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), but this is currently expensive and produced in limited quantities, and isn't expected to replace a majority of the current fossil-fuel based aviation fuel used any time soon.”

He also claims that, even if the UK meets its current SAF goals, flight emissions could increase by up to 30 percent.

FMI: www.heathrow.com