London City Airport Plans Expansion to Attract Budget Airlines
London City Airport, often praised for its efficiency and accessibility, has submitted an application to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to adjust its take-off and landing gradients. If the London City Airport expansion is approved, the changes could allow more aircraft, including budget-friendly airlines, to operate from the airport—potentially transforming it into a more affordable hub for London travellers.
Currently, London City Airport operates at a much smaller scale than Heathrow or Gatwick, with just 90 daily departures compared to Heathrow’s 650 flights per day. It primarily caters to business and short-haul travellers, with only 10 airlines using its services. However, the proposed changes would enable aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo, widely used by budget carriers like easyJet, Jet2, and WizzAir—none of which currently operate at London City.
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Alison Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of London City Airport, has emphasised that the move would provide greater travel options while modernising aircraft fleets, stating:
“This change would open up a range of possible new routes for passengers while incentivising airlines to transition from older aircraft to newer, quieter, and more environmentally friendly models like the Airbus A320neo.”
The introduction of newer aircraft aligns with the government’s goals of promoting economic growth and sustainable aviation, while also offering more travel choices for Londoners.
Could London City Become More Budget-Friendly?
London City Airport has long been a favourite for business travellers due to its quick access from central London—just 20 minutes away. It was also the first UK airport to remove the 100ml liquid rule, making security checks far more convenient. However, the lack of budget airline options has made it an expensive choice for many Londoners.
While the airport is keen to bring in more airlines and routes, easyJet, Jet2, and WizzAir have confirmed that they currently have no plans to operate from London City. Despite this, the London City Airport expansion could still pave the way for new travel opportunities in the future. According to the UK Civil Aviation Authority, proposed changes to airport operations must undergo rigorous assessment before approval.
The proposed changes follow a recent decision allowing London City to increase its annual passenger cap from 6.5 million to 9 million, reflecting a broader push to expand capacity and enhance services.
Do you think London City Airport should become a budget-friendly hub, or is it best suited for business travel? Have your say in the comments below!
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