The Civil Aviation Authority is likely to oversee the European Union’s emissions trading scheme in the UK, which airlines will join from 2011.
This will impose a cap on carbon dioxide emissions from flights within the EU and force airlines that exceed an annual allowance to buy credits on a carbon-trading market.
The costs will be added to fares and the scheme extended to inter-continental flights from 2012.
The Department for Transport has promised a full review of the CAA’s role.
CAA chairman Sir RoyMcNulty said: “We will increasingly be involved inclimate-change issues.
“The way airports and runways are utilised has significant environmental effects. We already assess these issues when deciding any changes to UK airspace.”