London (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ministers have agreed on plans for London City Airport to expand capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million passengers a year despite complaints from environmental campaigners.
What Are the New Plans for London City Airport’s Expansion?
The airport’s recommendation to expand its operations by placing more weekend and early morning flights has been shown the green light after it was initially thwarted by City Hall. The decision was revealed by Angela Rayner, the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, and Louise Haigh, the transport secretary.
Why Did the Government Reject Extended Operating Hours for London City Airport?
London City Airport stated it welcomed the addition to the passenger cap but was disappointed the government had not backed extended Saturday operating hours. Alison FitzGerald, London City Airport’s chief executive, stated: “As the government has identified in its decision, rejecting our request to extend our Saturday afternoon operating hours will delay down airlines bringing cleaner, quieter next-generation aircraft to the airport. Residents would have had the added advantage of these aircraft operating at the airport throughout the week, not just in the extended operating hours.”
The plan was initially denied in July 2023 by Newham Council over a range of complaints such as the potential effect of the expansion on climate, air quality and noise. Greenpeace expressed the move was “a surprisingly awkward misstep” from the new Labour Government.
How Do Environmental Campaigners View the Expansion of London City Airport?
Paul Morozzo, climate campaigner for Greenpeace UK, stated: “Not only does it damage the UK’s climate leadership, but it will mostly help an elite of wealthy frequent fliers while dumping the environmental prices on some of London’s poorest neighbourhoods.”
Alethea Warrington, a senior campaigner at the climate charity Possible, stated: “London City airport’s growth will benefit only the private jet users who flee into the airport, at the expense of more air pollution for Londoners and more emissions that damage our climate. The new minister for transport must demonstrate why the government has ignored the clear scientific consensus on constraining aviation emissions – along with the advice of their scientific advisors, the Climate Change Committee, which recommended no growth in the UK’s airport capacity – in favour of letting more planes and more pollution.”