UK Government Approves London City Airport Expansion Amid Environmental Concerns

The UK government has approved plans to increase capacity at London City Airport by 2.5 million passengers. However, it maintained a ban on Saturday afternoon flights, overturning parts of a local decision. The move, welcomed by the airport but criticized by environmental groups, signals the new Labour government's approach to infrastructure planning.

The UK government has given the green light to expand the passenger capacity at London City Airport by 2.5 million, controversially overturning some aspects of a prior local decision but upholding a ban on Saturday afternoon flights.

The airport aimed to increase its annual capacity to 9 million passengers from 6.5 million by 2031 and sought to extend Saturday flying hours from 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm. According to a government document released Monday, the Secretaries of State concurred with inspector recommendations and approved planning permission with conditions maintaining the existing Saturday curfew. This decision marks one of the first major infrastructure planning calls by the recently elected Labour government, which, despite pledging to accelerate planning processes, has faced funding challenges.

While London City Airport welcomed the passenger cap increase, it lamented the government's refusal to extend Saturday operational hours, arguing it would delay the adoption of cleaner, quieter aircraft. A government spokesperson emphasized the balancing act between supporting the UK aviation sector's future while upholding environmental commitments.

Environmental think tank Green Alliance expressed disappointment, viewing the decision as a troubling sign for the new government. Conversely, a local campaign group praised the rejection of extended Saturday flights, seeing it as a victory for residents. Initially, Newham Council, home to the airport, rejected the expansion in July 2023, citing concerns over climate impact, air quality, and noise.

Newham Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz voiced apprehensions about increased early morning flights but welcomed the retained Saturday curfew.

(With inputs from agencies.)