Stop airport expansions

Help stop Heathrow expansion

In February 2020, with your support, we scored a huge victory for the planet when the Court of Appeal agreed that plans to build a third runway at Heathrow were illegal. 

But in December 2020, the Supreme Court overturned the decision, allowing the project to proceed to the next stage.

The Prime Minister had the power to scrap the policy decision to support Heathrow expansion. But in January 2025 the chancellor Rachel Reeves made an announcement backing airport expansion and a third runway at Heathrow, whilse reducing the nature protections required of developers.

Expanding airports like Heathrow won’t do much, if anything, for the communities that need growth the most. Instead, benefits will be enjoyed by shareholders and the wealthiest few who fly frequently. Sacrificing nature and our climate isn’t leadership, it’s rash, short-sighted and a sure-fire way to lose the trust of those who believed Labour's election promises on the environment. 

Add your name now to demand no more airport expansion while we’re in a climate emergency.

Add your name

 

Why airport expansion is a bad idea

1) We can't stop climate breakdown by building runways

Heathrow is one of the biggest single sources of greenhouse gases in the UK. A third runway will all but blow our chances of meeting our targets for cutting emissions.

2) More flights for the few

Just 15% of the UK’s population take the majority (70%) of all flights. Bigger airports would mainly serve the interests of frequent flyers.

3) Filthy air, more noise

Already local people have to endure 1,300 noisy planes landing and taking off at Heathrow every day.  A third runway could mean a 50% increase in flights. Air pollution locally is a problem, and nearly all of London doesn’t comply with WHO standards.

4) The economic argument doesn't stack up

The government claims a third runway will be good for the economy – but there are no guarantees. And they haven’t factored in the true costs of climate change.

5) Transport on the wrong track

A bigger climate-wrecking airport is a massive distraction. 

We urgently need to invest in our rail and public transport networks – they’re simply not good enough for 21st century Britain. 

Say no to Heathrow's new runway

Add your name
Close-up of Friends of the Earth supporters outside the High Court campaigning against a third Heathrow runway.
Lake in Snowdonia, North Wales

Ethical travel

As the spring months are approaching, going on a holiday is looking more attractive. But flying, whether a short or long haul, is one of the most climate-wrecking modes of transport.

The solution is to choose other ways to travel, and to holiday closer to home. 

We've put together a handy list of 21 no-fly holidays for you to discover. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation or something in between - we've got you covered!

Take a holiday without flying
Lake in Snowdonia, North Wales

An aeroplane coming into land at Heathrow airport

Fight or flight? How our network helped stop a climate-wrecking project

  Published:  28 Apr 2022     |       4 minute read
While the UK government claims to be committed to reducing emissions, more and more climate-wrecking projects like airport expansions keep rearing their heads. But that doesn’t mean we should accept it. Find out how campaigners helped to pressure Leeds Bradford Airport to withdraw their airport expansion planning application.
Climate
Clean air
Health
Local groups
Successes
Airplanes on a runway waiting to take off

The problem with Heathrow expansion
  Published:  14 Jan 2020     |       3 minute read     |         |     Will Rundle
The issue of Heathrow expansion is a major environmental headache. Head of Legal at Friends of the Earth, Will Rundle, recaps details from this long-running saga, and explains why it's a social justice issue.
Climate
General
Transport