The rise in demand for air travel is one of the most serious environmental threats facing the world, a study says.

The University of York report says government plans for airport expansion are in direct conflict with targets to reduce greenhouse gases.

Report authors Professor John Whitelegg and Howard Cambridge say polluting gases from aircraft exhaust fumes are on the increase.

Airlines should pay an environmental charge equal to the damage, they say.

The UK and other EU governments have made a massive commitment to expanding aviation, the report says.

Recommendations

It sets out a model for dealing with aviation over the next 30 years, recommending steps to be taken by the UK and other EU countries including an end to the tax-free status of aviation fuel.

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