London City Airport (LCY) is set for a significant expansion, which will increase its annual passenger capacity and provide more flight options for travelers heading to destinations across Europe.
Passenger Capacity to Increase Significantly
London City Airport, located east of central London, has been granted permission by the Department for Transport to increase its passenger capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million annually. This expansion reflects the airport’s growing role in connecting travelers to European destinations, despite its relatively small size compared to London’s larger international hubs.
Addition of Early Morning Flights
Alongside the increase in passenger numbers, London City Airport will also be allowed to add three additional early morning weekday flights. These extra flights aim to enhance connectivity, particularly for business travelers seeking quick and convenient access to European cities.
Small but Efficient: A Look at London City Airport
Despite its size, with just 15 gates spread across two wings, London City Airport served 3.4 million passengers last year. This is a small fraction of the 79 million passengers who passed through London’s busiest airport, Heathrow (LHR), in the same period. Nevertheless, London City Airport’s close proximity to the city center makes it a preferred choice for many travelers.
Post-Pandemic Recovery in Progress
London City Airport has been steadily increasing its passenger numbers since the pandemic, though it has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, the airport handled 5.1 million travelers, a figure it is working towards as recovery continues. The airport remains a key hub for flights to more than two dozen destinations across the United Kingdom and Europe, serviced by major carriers such as British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM.
Restrictions on Operating Hours
While the airport has been given the green light to expand its capacity, there will be no changes to its current operating hours. London City Airport operates from 4:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays, and from 4:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. A request by the airport to extend Saturday hours until 6:30 p.m. was denied due to concerns about noise.
CEO Responds to Government Decision
Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, expressed mixed feelings about the government’s decision. “While we welcome the approval to increase our passenger numbers, we are disappointed with the Government’s decision to reject our proposal to fly from 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoons,” FitzGerald said in a statement. She noted that the rejection may slow the introduction of cleaner, quieter next-generation aircraft, which could have operated during the extended hours.
London’s Expanding Airport Network
London City Airport is one of six major airports serving the London area. The others include Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Luton (LTN), Stansted (STN), and Southend (SEN). Each of these airports plays a unique role in connecting London to the rest of the world, with London City Airport standing out for its convenience and focus on European routes.
As London City Airport prepares for its next phase of growth, the expansion will offer greater flexibility and more flight options for travelers, further solidifying its position as a key gateway to Europe.