Government responds to parliamentary report on airport expansion and environmental targets

The UK government has published its formal response to a House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) report on airport expansion and climate and nature targets, released last October. The response sets out how ministers plan to take account of environmental and economic considerations in future aviation policy.

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The original EAC report examined how airport expansion aligns with the UK’s legally binding net zero by 2050 commitments and broader environmental objectives, and called for clearer analysis and planning frameworks.

In its response, the government said it welcomed the report and is already undertaking a review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) – the policy that guides decisions on airport development – to reflect changes in legislation, policy and evidence since its designation in 2018. That review, the government says, will shape how future expansion proposals are assessed for economic, climate, air quality and noise impacts.

The response outlines ongoing and planned measures including support for sustainable aviation fuels, modernisation of airspace to reduce emissions, and carbon pricing mechanisms such as the UK Emissions Trading Scheme. It also says detailed analytical work on the economic impacts of proposed expansions, particularly at Heathrow Airport, will be published alongside any ANPS amendments for public consultation in summer 2026.

The government said any promoter of an airport expansion scheme would still need to demonstrate compliance with the updated ANPS through a formal Development Consent Order process, including environmental assessments.

The EAC report recommended clearer environmental limits for air quality and noise, consultation on aviation’s non‑CO₂ climate effects, and updating planning frameworks to ensure expanded capacity contributes to sustainable development. In responding, ministers said many of these issues are being addressed through the ANPS review and related policy processes.

The government’s response will be laid before Parliament and subjected to further scrutiny by the committee. It follows a growing focus in Westminster on how infrastructure and transport policies can be aligned with climate and biodiversity commitments.