The UK Government has given the green light to London City Airport’s proposal to increase its annual passenger capacity.
However, the decision comes with both wins and losses for the airport. While the cap increase and additional weekday flights gained approval, proposals to extend the airport’s Saturday afternoon operating hours were not accepted.
Government Approvals in Review
Passenger Capacity Boost – Approved
In a significant development, London City Airport (LCY) has received approval to raise its yearly passenger limit from 6.5 million to 9 million.
This increase will allow the airport to accommodate more travelers and potentially boost its economic impact on the region.
The growth in passenger numbers to 9 million annually, plus increased operational flexibility, will create almost 2,200 additional jobs across London – 1,340 of these at the airport itself.
Additional Early Morning Flights – Approved
The government has also granted permission for three extra flights during the first half-hour of weekday operations. This means that between 6:30 AM and 6:59 AM, Monday through Saturday, the airport can now handle up to 9 flights instead of the previous limit of 6.
Saturday Afternoon Extension – Rejected
Despite these approvals, the government turned down LCY’s request to extend its Saturday afternoon operating hours. Currently, the airport closes at 12:30 PM on Saturdays. The proposal sought to push this closing time to 6:30 PM, aiming to offer passengers more flexibility and choice.
A Unique Commitment to Cleaner Aircraft
Interestingly, LCY’s application included quite a revolutionary commitment. The airport pledged that only cleaner, quieter, next-generation aircraft would be allowed to fly during any extended operating periods.
This promise, a first for UK airports, underscores LCY’s drive towards environmental responsibility and noise reduction.
The Road to the Decision
The journey to this decision began in 2022 when LCY applied to the London Borough of Newham for changes to its existing planning permission. This application followed an extensive 10-week consultation period, during which local residents provided feedback on key issues.
London City Airport CEO Response
Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, expressed mixed feelings about the decision. While welcoming the approved increase in passenger numbers, she voiced disappointment over the rejection of the Saturday afternoon extension.
FitzGerald stated, “As the Government has recognized in its decision, rejecting our request to extend our Saturday afternoon operating hours will slow down airlines bringing cleaner, quieter next-generation aircraft to the airport.”
She further emphasized that local residents would have benefited from these advanced aircraft operating throughout the week, not just during extended hours.
Summary
Despite the setback on Saturday operations, the approved changes signal a new chapter for London City Airport. The increased passenger capacity and additional early morning flights will likely lead to enhanced connectivity and economic opportunities.
However, the rejection of extended Saturday hours presents a challenge. It may slow down the airport’s plans to incentivize airlines to adopt newer, more environmentally friendly aircraft.
As London City Airport moves forward with its approved expansions, it will need to balance growth with environmental concerns and community relations. The coming years will reveal how effectively the airport can navigate these challenges while striving for modernization and improved service.
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