London City is celebrating the Government’s approval of a passenger uplift from 6.5 million to 9 million per annum and the addition of three extra flights in the first half hour of operations during the week. However, the airport’s proposal to extend its operating hours on Saturday afternoons have been rejected.
The airport, which currently closes at 12.30pm on Saturdays had requested a new closing time of 6.30 pm to enable more flexibility for passengers. The proposal also include a UK airport first, a commitment that only cleaner, quieter, next generation aircraft would be permitted to fly in any extended operating periods.
Commenting on the announcement, Alison FitzGerald, CEO of London City Airport, said: “While we welcome the approval to increase our passenger numbers, we are disappointed with the Government’s decision to reject our proposal to fly from 12.30pm to 6.30pm”
Those staying or living locally and wanting to fly to or from the UK capital on weekends will continue having to factor in the environmental and economical footprint of travelling from an airport further afield. The decision to reject the extended operating hours on Saturday will also have an impact on more efficient next-generation aircraft serving the London hub.
FitzGerald continued: “As the Government has recognised in its decision, rejecting our request to extend our Saturday afternoon operating hours will slow down airlines bringing cleaner, quieter next generation aircraft to the airport. Local residents would have had the added benefit of these aircraft operating at the airport throughout the week, not just in the extended operating hours.”
