Heathrow Airport, located in Longford TW6 (London, England), is one of the three busiest airports in the world and the largest airport in Europe to date. Since June 2018, the British Government has announced plans to open a third runway in the northwest of the airport by 2026. However, this plan has faced a lot of opposition from climate activists, as this project is expected to destroy more than 750 houses in the Longford area and seriously affect the living environment around the airport.
Recently, the London Court ruled to stop this plan because the expansion of Heathrow airport is inconsistent with the UK's commitments to reduce CO2 emissions.2and mitigating climate change under the Paris Agreement. The ruling is considered "completely groundbreaking" and has important implications for changing the perception of state agencies on climate change and requiring them to be ready to take responsibility for urban development projects that have negative impacts on the environment.
Environmental activists rejoiced at the court's ruling.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan expressed his support for the Court's decision on Twitter, saying: "A new runway at Heathrow would have serious consequences for climate change, air quality, noise pollution, the road and rail network and the quality of life in this city."
Mayor of London - Sadiq Khan
Following the ruling, UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the Government would not challenge the decision and would look elsewhere for expansion plans: "Airport expansion is at the core of enhancing global connectivity. We will also take our environmental commitments seriously."
However, Heathrow Airport said it still wanted to proceed with the expansion plan. "We will appeal to the High Court on this matter and we are confident that we will be successful. In addition, we are ready to work with the Government to overcome the issues raised by the court," said a spokesman for the airport.
