London Heathrow has plans to “step up” its decarbonisation plan, with its goal to increase alternative aviation fuels t0 5.6% of its total fuel mix in 2026. This has surpassed the UK government’s sustainable aviation fuel mandate of 3.6% for the same year.
Sustainable aviation fuel is produced from renewable sources such as waste oils, agricultural residues and other non-fossil feedstocks. It can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 70–80% compared to conventional jet fuel, depending on the production method.
Unlike electric or hydrogen aircraft, which are still in development for commercial long-haul travel, SAF can be used in existing aircraft without modification, making it one of the most immediate tools available to cut aviation emissions.
Heathrow previously pledged £86 million in incentives to encourage airlines to increase SAF uptake, though it has not confirmed whether additional funding will be introduced to support the higher 2026 ambition.
According to the airport, meeting the target would cut lifecycle carbon emissions from flights by more than 600,000 tonnes in 2026 alone. Longer term, Heathrow aims to reach at least 11% SAF usage by 2030 as part of its Net Zero Plan.
Matt Gorman, Heathrow’s director of sustainability, said in Feb, 2026:
“Sustainable aviation fuel is already delivering measurable impact and remains central to aviation’s path towards net zero by 2050. The airport also reported that 17% of the world’s SAF supply in 2024 was used at Heathrow, highlighting both its scale and its growing role in alternative fuel adoption.”
For passengers, the change will not be visible onboard. Aircraft operations remain the same, and no modifications are required to engines or flight procedures. However, SAF is currently more expensive than traditional jet fuel, and scaling up supply remains a challenge across the industry.
By setting a target above the UK government’s mandate, London Heathrow Airport is signalling a stronger push to lower-carbon aviation. While sustainable aviation fuel still represents a small share of total fuel use, Heathrow’s decision to push beyond minimum requirements highlights growing momentum within the industry.
What do you think about Heathrow’s decarbonisation plans?
