London City Airport Expansion Approved Despite Local Objections

Britain's government has approved a plan to expand London City Airport’s capacity by 2.5 million passengers, overturning parts of a previous local decision. The plan maintains a Saturday afternoon flight ban. Initially rejected by Newham Council, central government later approved the appeal, citing stringent conditions.

Britain's government has green-lighted a significant expansion at London City Airport, allowing for an additional 2.5 million passengers per year. This decision overturns parts of a previous rejection by local authorities but retains a ban on Saturday afternoon flights.

The initial plan, which aimed to increase the airport's annual capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million passengers by 2031, was blocked in July 2023 by Newham Council over environmental and noise concerns. On appeal, the government granted approval with revised conditions, upholding the existing Saturday curfew.

Neither London City Airport nor Newham Council has commented on the latest decision.

(With inputs from agencies.)