Passenger cap raised at London City Airport

The UK government has approved London City Airport’s (LCY) plans to increase its annual passenger cap to 9 million passengers per annum – up from the existing 6.5mppa.

It has also given the green light for three extra flights in the first half hour of operations during the week.

However, London City Airport’s proposals to extend its Saturday afternoon operating hours were not accepted.

The airport currently closes at 12:30pm on Saturdays and after an extensive consultation process, the airport had requested a new closing time of 6:30pm that would have enabled more choice and flexibility for passengers.

LCY’s planning application included no increase in the permitted number of annual flights or infrastructure. It also included a UK airport first; a commitment that only cleaner, quieter, next generation aircraft would be allowed to fly in any extended operating periods.

Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, said: “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 12:30pm to 6:30pm on Saturday afternoons.

“As the government has recognised 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.

“Local residents would have had the added benefit of these aircraft operating at the airport throughout the week, not just in the extended operating hours.”