Holidaymakers could face hundreds of pounds in higher flight costs in the coming decades under proposals aimed at reducing the aviation industry’s carbon emissions. The Climate Change Committee (CCC), which advises the Government, has warned that airlines must do more to tackle pollution if Heathrow Airport is allowed to expand.
Its latest report suggests the cost of a return flight to Alicante could rise by around £150 by 2050, while a return journey to New York could cost approximately £400 more. These are estimates of the potential impact of climate policies, rather than confirmed increases to ticket prices.
The committee says airlines should be required to cover the cost of reducing or removing the carbon emissions they produce. This could involve using more sustainable aviation fuel, improving aircraft efficiency and paying for technology that permanently removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
However, the additional costs would probably be passed on to passengers through higher airfares.
The committee says any increases could be introduced gradually over the next 25 years rather than appearing as a sudden charge.
The warning comes as Heathrow pushes ahead with plans for a third runway. According to the CCC, there is currently no credible way for the airport to expand while remaining within the UK’s climate commitments under existing policies.
It says the Government should introduce legislation requiring the aviation industry to take responsibility for its emissions before approving the expansion.
The proposals have raised concerns within the airline industry. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, warned that making flying more expensive could put holidays beyond the reach of millions of people.
The committee has also highlighted the difference between occasional holidaymakers and frequent flyers, noting that a relatively small proportion of people account for a significant share of international flights.
It suggested that future policies should take this into account, although it stopped short of recommending a frequent flyer levy.
Heathrow said its expansion must deliver both economic growth and progress towards net zero, adding that it would continue working with the Government and aviation industry on cleaner technologies.
The Department for Transport said any expansion proposal would need to align with the UK’s net-zero targets.
No new passenger charge has been confirmed, and the Government is not required to adopt the committee’s recommendations.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
