London City Airport to pause expansion programme at end of 2020

London City Airport has decided to temporarily pause its Capital Development Programme (CADP) at the end of the year upon completion of new aircraft stands, a full-length parallel taxiway and new passenger facilities.

Since recommencing commercial flights on June 21, the airport has welcomed back four airlines, including its home-based carrier, BA City Flyer, and is now connecting to 15 domestic and European leisure and business destinations.

Further airlines are set to return over the next several months, and frequencies to key business destinations are expected to increase over the autumn.

However, the slower than expected recovery of the UK aviation market has led London City (LCY) to re-evaluate the timing of the next phases of the development programme, including the new terminal extension, which is now on hold until traffic demand dictates that it is necessary.

LCY’s CEO, Robert Sinclair, says: “Given our location in the heart of London, and the resilient nature of aviation, the airport and our shareholders remain very confident about the long-term prospects of London City and the vital role we can play in re-connecting London and the British economy as we recover from the shock of COVID-19.

“For the time being, we have taken the decision to focus our attention on delivering the vital additional airfield infrastructure which will provide our existing and prospective airline customers with the potential to bring new generation aircraft to this airport in greater numbers, which will be a crucial aspect of how we build a better, more sustainable airport.

“Completing the terminal extension and new east pier very much remains part of our future, and, with the foundations for both in place, we stand ready to take those projects forward when demand returns.

“In the months ahead we will work with airlines and government to help restore confidence to the UK aviation market and we will continue to support our local authority and our communities as they plan for life beyond the crisis.”

By the end of 2020, the airport will have completed a number of projects designed to deliver “significant new airside infrastructure and capacity”.

They include the delivery of eight new aircraft stands capable of accommodating cleaner, more sustainable aircraft such as the A220, and the E2-190, along with a full length parallel taxiway providing the ability to allow 45 aircraft movements per hour, when demand returns.

More immediately, at the start of September, a new immigration facility will be opened to passengers which will include 10 new e-gates, further improving the airport’s ability to offer the fastest passenger proposition in London.

Furthermore, construction of a new baggage facility with increased capacity and resilience, and featuring the latest security screening technology, will be operational next summer.