Government Approves Expansion of London City Airport, as Climate Campaigners Say Only ‘Private Jet Users’ Will Benefit

The Labour Government has granted permission to a business-focused airport to massively expand the number of passengers it can carry every year. 

London City Airport will be allowed to increase its annual passenger capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million, and boost the number of early morning flights in the East London airport, which largely deals with international business customers. 

The move has sparked immediate anger from climate campaigners, who had campaigned against the change.

Alethea Warrington, senior campaigner at climate charity Possible, said: “It’s incredibly disappointing that the new Government has failed its first test on climate, and allowed the expansion of this polluting, high-carbon project.

“London City Airport’s expansion will benefit only the private jet users who fly into the airport, at the expense of more air pollution for Londoners and more emissions that harm our climate.”

She added: “The new Minister for Transport must explain why the Government has ignored the clear scientific consensus on constraining aviation emissions– along with the advice of their own scientific advisors, the Climate Change Committee, which recommended no increase in the UK’s airport capacity– in favour of allowing more planes and more pollution.”

The Government has, however, refused permission to drop an existing Saturday afternoon “curfew” period, which is meant to provide respite from the noise for locals. It means the airport’s request to extend Saturday operations until 18:30 has been rejected. 

In a document published by the Government on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister and communities secretary, Angela Rayner, signed off the plans, arguing they would bring socio-economic benefits, including job creation and economic growth for the city. 

While there were concerns about noise effects from increased operations, the Government concluded that maintaining the Saturday curfew would mitigate the impact. 

London City Airport will have to use quieter aircraft for additional early morning flights, while affected properties nearby will be offered contributions to insulation. 

The operational air quality effects were deemed not significant, and the proposal was found to comply with national policy on climate change.

What’s Been Approved/Rejected

• Saturday curfew: The existing Saturday afternoon curfew (operations only allowed until 12:30) has been kept, despite the airport’s request to extend it
• Passenger limit: Annual passenger numbers will be allowed to increase from 6.5 million to 9 million
• Early morning flights: An increase in early morning flights from 6 to 9 will be permitted, with the condition that quieter aircraft be used for the additional flights
• Sound insulation scheme: An enhanced sound insulation scheme for affected properties will be introduced
• Community fund: The airport is required to make an enhanced contribution to the London City Airport Community Fund.

The decision also took into account various policy considerations, including the National Planning Policy Framework, the London Plan, and Newham’s Local Plan. The Secretaries of State concluded that with the retention of the Saturday curfew, the proposal was in accordance with local plans overall. 

But it is likely to be seen as an early litmus test for whether the Government chooses short-term growth over the climate when faced with decisions like this. 

Rishi Sunak and Boris Johnson privately backed the same road-pricing schemes the Conservatives are now attacking the London mayor over.

Josiah Mortimer