Airport closure provides evidence of airline pollution

Today the Independent has published a story about a drop in NOx and NO2 levels since airports have come to a standstill.

The article states that "Although long suspected, the fact that mass take-offs and landings are large pollution sources could never be proved before, because aircraft pollution could not be measured as separate from the pollution caused by vehicles operating near by."

Two researchers from Kings College have proven that NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) and NOx (the generic term for oxides of nitrogen, taken together) fell virtually to zero since London's Heathrow and Gatwick airports have been closed.

The following chart illustrates current NO2 and NOx levels compared to levels under normal conditions.