Plans to fly larger aircraft from London City Airport have run into opposition from the London Assembly's environment committee, which is demanding an immediate halt until independent assessments are carried out. The east London airport, already granted permission to increase passenger capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million a year in 2024, wants to lower its flight approach path by 90ft (27m) to accommodate planes such as the Airbus A320neo.
The committee, in a letter to airport chief executive Andy Cliffe, said it was “particularly concerned about the potential noise impacts” of the change. Signed by deputy chair Léonie Cooper, the letter argued that the airport's projected data was “not sufficient to fully understand the noise impact, and the health and quality of life of residents living and working nearby”. It added: “The committee therefore opposes any changes until robust, independent real-world assessments have been undertaken to understand how these changes could affect local communities in practice.”
“London Assembly committee opposes City Airport's larger jet plans over noise and health concerns.”
The cross-party group also warned that the change might be used to open new routes, increasing the overall number of flights. The airport, however, said the proposal would “unlock more destinations and support London’s connectivity and economic growth”. A spokesperson argued that “larger capacity, new‑generation aircraft will mean fewer flights and less noise disturbance for local communities when compared to not making this change over the coming years”, adding: “Our priority is to grow our airport and continue to maintain a central role in the regeneration of east London.”
The Civil Aviation Authority is due to make a decision on the lower flight approach by this autumn.