London City Airport: A Hub Of Constant Activity

London City Airport is a small airport that primarily serves business travellers with destinations such as Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Zurich, Geneva, and Milan. In 2019, the airport handled just over 5 million passengers, making it the fifth busiest airport in the London area. The airport is unique due to its location, size, and welcoming service. It is conveniently connected to the tube network and has a range of facilities, including shops, restaurants, and a small spa. Despite its size, London City Airport can get busy, especially during the winter months and on Monday mornings.

London City Airport is the fifth-busiest airport in London

In 2019, London City Airport served over 5 million passengers, a significant increase from the half a million passengers it accommodated in 1995. The airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years, with investments in the terminal and additional aircraft stands. It is the only airport in London, along with Heathrow, that is connected to the tube network, making it a convenient option for travellers.

The airport primarily caters to business travellers, and as a result, it does not have extensive shopping options like other larger airports. However, it offers essential amenities, including a duty-free shop, a small electrical store, a luggage and handbag shop, and a Boots pharmacy. There are also several coffee shops and restaurants available, ensuring travellers have access to food and beverages during their wait.

London City Airport has a unique characteristic of a 5.5° glide path, which is steeper than the standard 3.0° slope found in most European airports. This allows for a wider range of aircraft to utilise the airport, including the Airbus A318 and BAe 146 regional jet liner. The airport enforces stringent noise restrictions to minimise the impact of aircraft operations on the nearby residential areas.

The airport's size and location make it a convenient and efficient option for travellers, especially those on tight schedules. Its proximity to Central London and efficient transportation connections contribute to its popularity, solidifying its position as the fifth-busiest airport in the city.

The airport is small and easy to navigate, with few gates and one runway

London City Airport is a small airport with few gates and only one runway. It is about 60 hectares (150 acres) in size and, as of 2019, served just over 5 million passengers. In comparison, Heathrow Airport, which is also connected to the tube network, served almost 81 million passengers in the same year.

London City Airport's compact size means that it is easy to navigate. Travellers report that it rarely takes more than 5 minutes to get through security, and even if the airport is very busy, it should take no longer than 15 minutes. In fact, it is possible to get from the airport entrance to the gate in as little as 5 minutes. The airport is also unique in that it does not have the standard 100ml liquid rule at security, allowing passengers to carry up to 2 litres of liquid in a see-through container.

The airport's small size also means that it has a limited number of airlines operating from it. As of 2025, there are only seven airlines flying out of London City Airport, with British Airways operating the largest number of flights. The airport's primary users are business travellers, and it does not have space for airport lounges. However, it does offer a small selection of shops and restaurants, as well as a spa and a kid's area.

London City Airport is located near London's Docklands and financial district, which contributes to its popularity among business travellers. It is also conveniently connected to the tube network, with quick and affordable transport options available. Despite its small size and limited offerings, the airport is a popular choice for those travelling to destinations such as Luxembourg, Frankfurt, and ski resorts in Zurich, Geneva, and Milan during the winter months.

It's conveniently connected to the tube network and has good transport links

London City Airport is conveniently connected to the tube network, with fast rail links to Canary Wharf and beyond. The airport is located near London's Docklands and financial district, making it ideal for business travellers. In fact, the airport's primary users are business travellers with destinations such as Luxembourg and Frankfurt. However, the number of leisure destinations served by the airport has increased in recent years, making it a convenient option for a wider range of travellers.

The airport's connection to the tube network makes it quick and convenient to access, as well as relatively cheap. It is one of only two London airports connected to the tube network, the other being Heathrow. This makes London City Airport a convenient option for travellers looking to save time and money on their journey to and from the airport.

In addition to the tube network, there are also bus options for travellers. London bus lines 473 from Stratford and 474 from Canning Town both serve the airport, providing additional flexibility for travellers. For those who prefer a more private option, cabs and Uber are also available.

The airport's small size adds to its convenience. With just one runway and a limited number of gates, it is easy to navigate. Even if the airport is super busy, the security wait times are typically short, with some travellers reporting a wait of just five minutes. This makes London City Airport a stress-free option for travellers, especially those on tight schedules.

London City Airport's connection to the tube network and other transport options make it a convenient and accessible option for travellers. Its small size and efficient operations further contribute to its convenience, making it a popular choice for business and leisure travellers alike.

The airport primarily serves business travellers but has increased leisure destinations

London City Airport, located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, is about 6 miles (9.7 km) from the City of London and 3 miles (4.8 km) from Canary Wharf. These are the two centres of London's financial industry, which is a major user of the airport. The airport is the fifth busiest in the London area by passenger and aircraft movement, after Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton. It is also relatively small, covering about 60 hectares (150 acres) and featuring a single 1,508-metre-long (4,948 ft) runway.

London City Airport primarily serves business travellers due to its proximity to London's financial district. Destinations that cater to business travellers include Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Zurich, Geneva, and Milan. In 2002, a jet centre catering to corporate aviation was opened, and in 2003, a new ground holding point was established at the eastern end of the runway, enabling aircraft awaiting takeoff to hold while other aircraft landed.

However, the airport has also increased its leisure destinations in recent years. Popular city break destinations served by the airport include Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, Florence, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Geneva, and Zurich. The airport also operates flights to Scandinavian cities like Copenhagen, Billund, and Stockholm, as well as other European destinations like Nice, Nantes, Basel, and Rotterdam.

London City Airport also offers a transatlantic service to New York's JFK Airport, which is ideal for both business travellers and tourists. In September 2009, British Airways commenced the first scheduled transatlantic flights from the airport, offering a twice-daily service to New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport via Shannon using a specially configured Airbus A318 aircraft.

It has basic amenities, including shops, restaurants, and a small spa

London City Airport is a busy airport, ranking as the fifth busiest airport by passenger and aircraft movements in the London area. In 2019, it handled over 5.1 million passengers, and it is especially busy during the winter months, catering to skiers travelling to popular destinations like Zurich, Geneva, and Milan. The airport primarily serves business travellers due to its proximity to London's financial district, with destinations such as Luxembourg and Frankfurt. However, it has also seen an increase in leisure destinations, including Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, and Chambéry.

London City Airport offers basic amenities to cater to the needs of its passengers. The airport features a variety of shops, ranging from beauty and essential items to last-minute travel necessities. Passengers can also enjoy a selection of restaurants and cafes, serving fresh food and drinks to suit different tastes and preferences.

For those looking to unwind before their flight, the airport is equipped with a small spa, providing a peaceful environment to relax and rejuvenate. The AeroSpa offers a range of treatments, including massages, manicures, waxing, blow-dries, and brow shaping. It is the perfect spot to freshen up and feel restored before embarking on your journey.

The airport is easily accessible, with the London City Airport DLR station providing fast rail links to Canary Wharf and other parts of the city. Despite its busy nature, the airport is relatively small, making it convenient for passengers to navigate. Security wait times are generally reasonable, and passengers with carry-on luggage are advised to arrive around 60-90 minutes before their departure time to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

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