The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK (CILT (UK)) responds to the Environmental Audit Committee’s latest report on airport expansion and climate targets. Welcoming the report, CILT(UK) emphasises that the challenges identified can be addressed through a carefully balanced strategy that aligns both the UK’s economic growth and sustainability objectives.

A committee of MPs found that the government's approach to airport expansion needs to be compatible with net zero delivery. The report, which included evidence from CILT(UK), assessed whether airport expansion aligns with environmental goals which recommend measures to ensure that aviation emissions meet carbon budgets. The Committee expressed concern that airport expansion complicates achieving climate targets and increases costs, while the economic benefits of expansion are not sufficiently demonstrated. One of the key conclusions of the report is the call for an update of the Airports National Policy Statement which provides the framework for making decisions on airport expansion. 

CILT (UK) spokesperson, Chris Tarry, Chair of the Aviation Policy Group, said: “It is important to begin by acknowledging that this report is a very welcome development, providing assurance that the government is not overseeing its own evaluation. We remain confident that both the airport expansion and environmental targets are achievable provided there is strong collaboration and support between the industry, Government and international bodies to engage everyone in this vital process.

“We were pleased to provide the committee responsible for this report with some of the evidence needed to support its conclusions, maintaining our impartiality by presenting facts, statistics, and data. At the same time, we are committed to ensuring that the logistics and transport sectors are represented with a strong and honest voice.

“We recognise the urgent need for our airports to expand to meet growing demand, while also prioritising legally binding carbon reduction targets. For the UK to succeed, collaboration across all sectors is essential to develop practical solutions. It is crucial that key stakeholders are consulted throughout every stage of the airport expansion process. While this won’t be easy, striking the right balance is vital for success.”

In addition, CILT(UK) welcomes the Secretary of State’s announcement on 22 October 2025 that the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS) will be updated by the end of 2026. This was a key message from CILT(UK)’s evidence to the Committee.
Chris added: “CILT(UK) believes the revised ANPS should adopt a UK-wide approach, encompassing both the Making Best Use policy and Heathrow expansion. The Committee’s concerns about the wider UK effects are countered by the clear support from regions and businesses for expansion at Heathrow.

“The Institute also supports updating the Jet Zero Strategy to reflect progress toward net zero aviation by 2050. CILT(UK) highlights that international collaboration through ICAO is central to achieving this goal and that airport expansion plans should continue to assess and monitor climate impacts.

“CILT(UK) notes positive examples, such as Luton Airport, where growth is linked to environmental commitments, and recommends that this approach becomes standard for all Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.”

Finally, while aviation should contribute fairly to climate mitigation, CILT(UK) believes this should occur through Sustainable Aviation Fuels, Emissions Trading, and other market-based measures — not through additional taxation.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) is a professional institution embracing all transport modes whose members are engaged in the provision of transport services for both passengers and freight, the management of logistics and the supply chain, transport planning, government and administration.

CILT UK is also currently developing detailed feedback on UK airport expansion and its environmental impact, based on objective analysis and practical experiences. This work has been prepared by the Institute’s Aviation Policy Group.