Plans to fly larger aircraft from London City Airport have run into opposition from a group of London Assembly politicians who say they are concerned about more flights, extra noise and increased emissions. In a letter to the airport’s chief executive, Andy Cliffe, the assembly’s environment committee called for any proposals to be halted until “independent and real-world assessments” are carried out.
The east London airport – which was given government permission in 2024 to increase passenger capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million a year – wants approval to lower the flight approach path so it can accommodate planes such as the Airbus A320neo. According to the committee, that would mean planes flying over parts of east London 90ft (27m) lower than they currently do.
“London Assembly committee calls for halt to City Airport plans for larger aircraft over noise and emissions concerns.”
“The committee is particularly concerned about the potential noise impacts” of the change, the letter said. Signed by deputy chair Léonie Cooper, it added 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”. The cross-party group also expressed concern that the change might be used to open new routes and therefore increase the overall number of flights.
But the airport argues that larger, new-generation aircraft would mean fewer flights and less noise for local communities. A spokesperson said: “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. 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 lowering the flight approach by this autumn.