(qlmbusinessnews.com Wed. 21st Aug, 2024) London, UK —
UK Government Approves 2.5 Million Passenger Increase for London City Airport
The UK government has approved an increase in the annual passenger cap at London City Airport, allowing it to handle up to 9 million passengers per year, up from the previous limit of 6.5 million. This decision follows an appeal by the airport after its initial request was rejected by Newham Council’s strategic development committee.
However, a separate proposal to extend the airport's Saturday operating hours from 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm was turned down. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, alongside the Secretary of State for Transport, upheld the decision to maintain the current curfew, which has been in place for 25 years.
Alison FitzGerald, the Chief Executive of London City Airport, expressed mixed feelings about the outcome. While she welcomed the increased passenger cap, she voiced disappointment over the refusal to extend Saturday flight times, noting that it could slow the adoption of “cleaner, quieter, next-generation aircraft” at the airport.
The decision to increase the passenger limit will lead to more flights, particularly during the early morning hours between 6:00 am and 9:00 am, under the condition that quieter aircraft are used. The airport had proposed allowing only newer, more environmentally friendly planes during the extended hours.
The Mayor of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz, expressed concerns about the potential increase in noise pollution for local residents. She welcomed the government’s decision to retain the Saturday curfew but remained worried about the overall impact of additional flights on the community’s health and quality of life.
Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, have criticised the decision to raise the passenger cap. Paul Morozzo, a climate campaigner for Greenpeace UK, described the move as a “clumsy misstep,” arguing that many of the destinations served by London City Airport could be reached by train within six hours, thereby reducing the need for additional flights.
The proposal had faced opposition not only from Newham Council but also from eight other London councils and various local campaign groups. Despite this, the government determined that the increased passenger capacity was necessary to meet growing demand at the airport.
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