London City Airport sets out plan to reach 9 million passengers

London City Airport (LCY) has set out further detail on plans to grow to 9 million passengers annually as Keir Mather made his first official visit to a London airport since becoming Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister.

The visit comes as LCY enters the delivery phase of its growth programme, following government approval in 2024 to increase annual passenger capacity without raising flight movements. The strategy centres on introducing larger, more fuel efficient aircraft capable of carrying more passengers per movement, enabling capacity growth within existing operational limits.

New chief executive Andy Cliffe, in his first week in post, welcomed the Minister alongside James Asser. The delegation met frontline colleagues across airfield operations, customer services, ramp handling and the airport fire service, with discussions also reflecting the airport’s constrained operating environment in the Royal Docks, where maritime movements must at times be coordinated alongside air traffic activity.

Central to the airport’s plans is the deployment of next generation aircraft including the Airbus A320neo, offering lower carbon emissions and reduced noise footprints compared with previous generation models.

Cliffe said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Aviation Minister to London City Airport in my first week as CEO. I was proud to showcase the exceptional work of our colleagues and outline how we will grow passenger capacity while continuing to deliver the fast, reliable and leading customer experience that our travellers value.”

He added: “These plans will unlock new routes and more choice from London’s most convenient airport, support over 4,000 direct and indirect jobs in east London, and strengthen connectivity in support of the government’s wider economic growth ambitions.”

Asser said: “London City Airport is Newham’s largest private sector employer and a major contributor to our local economy.”

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