Stop airport expansion: halt all airport expansion plans across the UK

More than 20 airports across the UK have expansion plans, which will result in a combined increase of 60%+ capacity. More flights means more emissions, at a time when we should be doing everything we can to reduce emissions and avert climate catastrophe.

More flights also mean more noise and air pollution, which is linked to poor physical and mental health for those living near airports.

The Climate Change Committee says there should be no net airport expansion unless aviation is outperforming its emission baselines. Local people and politicians oppose airport expansion plans, but central government can overrule their decisions.

We think airports are big enough. Stop airport expansion.

UK connectivity is vital to supporting jobs, opportunity, and businesses across the length and breadth of the country. The government is committed to securing the long-term future of the UK’s aviation sector, and if the UK is to remain competitive as a global leader in aviation, it is crucial that aviation infrastructure remains world-class.

Capacity constraints are hindering the ability of UK aviation to grow – which means demand will outstrip supply. The Government therefore supports airport expansion where expansion proposals can demonstrate that they contribute to economic growth, can be delivered in line with the UK’s legally binding climate change commitments and meets strict environmental requirements on air quality and noise pollution.

Airports support regional and economic growth. This Government has granted additional capacity at Gatwick, London City and Luton, with other airports, such as Leeds Bradford and Stansted, also taking forward expansion plans.

Heathrow is operating at full capacity, putting UK connectivity, competitiveness, and the benefits of a hub airport at risk. A hub airport enables global connectivity, attracting international investment, boosting trade, and sustaining routes that would not be viable without transfer passengers – thereby amplifying the UK’s role in the global economy. As rivals like Istanbul and Frankfurt expand, the UK risks falling behind. To secure Heathrow’s future and support growth, the Government is therefore assessing proposals for a third runway.

Following the conclusion of the assessment process, the Climate Change Committee will be engaged throughout the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), ensuring independent oversight and advice during the process.

We understand people will have environmental concerns. The Government is actively investing into innovation in making aviation more sustainable, to ensure that we can achieve net zero aviation by 2050. Key initiatives include the introduction of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate, a Revenue Certainty Mechanism to encourage investment in UK SAF production, and £63 million in funding for 2025/26 through the Advanced Fuels Fund to support domestic SAF supply – with more funding committed across the next Spending Review period. The UK will also set out detailed plans for meeting legislated carbon budgets later this year as part of its wider approach to fulfilling climate obligations.

Efforts are also underway to deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner air travel through airspace modernisation. This includes consultations on designing more direct and efficient flight paths.

To support the transition to low and zero carbon aircraft, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme is backing innovation in next-generation sustainable technologies. As part of the Industrial Strategy, up to £2.3 billion has been allocated over 10 years to extend this programme.

In terms of noise reduction, measures such as noise abatement procedures and night flight restrictions are in place at major airports, including Heathrow. Alongside the use of more modern quieter aircraft, these steps have contributed to a reduction of up to 40% in areas affected by significant noise levels and a decrease in population exposure of up to 37%.

Sustainable aviation growth remains a priority. Airport expansion plays a key role in this, supporting job creation, attracting investment, and maintaining the UK’s position as a global leader in aviation.

Department for Transport