Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their policy on the expansion of airports in view of their commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050; and what changes will be needed to surface and air traffic to achieve that target.

The government firmly believes that aviation needs to play its part in reaching ‘net zero’, and is committed to setting a clear and appropriate level of ambition for the aviation sector. The aviation 2050 strategy will set out a long-term vision for UK aviation emissions reduction. It is expected to be published later this year.

The Airports National Policy Statement requires that development consent would only be granted if the applicant can demonstrate that expansion will not materially impact the ability of government to meet its carbon reduction targets.