Ministers have been urged not to use London’s improved air quality as justification for expanding Heathrow Airport, amid growing concerns the move could reverse environmental progress in the capital.
Earlier this month, London recorded nitrogen dioxide (NO?) levels within legal limits for the first time since 2010. The Mayor of London attributed the milestone to the introduction and expansion of the ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ), which has significantly reduced emissions from vehicles.
However, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the Labour Government will continue to back plans for a third runway at Heathrow, despite objections from environmental groups and MPs.
Government Support Sparks Backlash
Reeves announced in January that the Government supports the long-debated Heathrow expansion, alongside other major infrastructure projects such as redeveloping Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
Her decision has raised concerns that air quality improvements in London could be undermined by a surge in emissions from increased air traffic.
Heathrow’s third runway could see passenger numbers almost double by the mid-2030s, with millions more flights departing and landing each year.
Environmental Experts Raise Red Flags
During a London Assembly Environment Committee meeting on October 16, experts questioned whether aviation could be decarbonised quickly enough to offset emissions from an additional 66 million passengers annually.
Christina Calderato, Director of Strategy at Transport for London (TfL), told the committee that the expansion “needs to be compatible with the Mayor’s environment and transport objectives” before receiving approval.
“We have a number of serious concerns around noise, carbon emissions and air quality,” Calderato said. “We’ve done a lot in London to improve air quality, and we don’t want to see those gains used as headroom for the Heathrow expansion.”
She added that, under current projections, a rise in aviation emissions would inevitably increase London’s overall carbon output, calling that prospect “difficult to reconcile.”
Transport and Infrastructure Impact
TfL has also raised logistical concerns about how the airport would handle the influx of passengers. An expanded Heathrow could result in an additional 170,000 daily trips by passengers and staff, potentially straining existing transport links and increasing local pollution.
Campaigners argue that if the Government proceeds, it must ensure strict environmental safeguards are in place to prevent backsliding on air quality goals.
The debate highlights a growing tension between the UK’s economic growth ambitions and its environmental responsibilities — particularly in a city that has only just met long-standing pollution targets.
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