City Airport gets green light for GBP344m expansion

The British government has approved a £344m expansion programme for London’s City Airport.

The expansion programme will create new space for planes to taxi to and from the runway, so more planes can use it, and new stands for planes to allow bigger, more modern planes to use the airport. This will mean more flights at peak times, with bigger, newer and quieter planes.

Chancellor Phillip Hammond said the investment was a “vote of confidence in the resilience of our economy”.

“London City Airport's ambitious growth plans will boost international connections, strengthening the City of London's links to destinations across the world, and send a clear signal that Britain is open for business. Making it easier to visit and do business in the City of London will help drive forward our economy and further strengthen the city’s status as the world’s leading financial centre."

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said: “The expansion of both the airport and terminal building will provide a real boost to economic growth and job creation.

“Commuters also stand to benefit from the expansion of the terminal and improved facilities which will make using the airport more pleasant and efficient.”

City Airport has estimated that the scheme will create 1,600 airport jobs and 500 construction jobs, and could add £1.5bn to the UK economy by 2025.

The government said a “generous” compensation package will be provided by the airport to support local residents affected by the increase in air traffic.