Owais Crawford
London City Airport is a hub for regional air travel in the heart of London. Its compact size and steep approach mean that only certain aircraft types are permitted to land there. The airport's proximity to London's Docklands and financial district means its primary users are business travellers to destinations like Luxembourg and Frankfurt, although leisure destinations like Palma de Mallorca and Málaga have increased in recent years. London City Airport's aircraft fleet includes the Airbus A318, Embraer E190/E195 series, Saab 2000, ATR 42, and Beechcraft Super King Air.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Runway Length | 1,508 metres (4,948 feet) |
| Runway Slope | 7.5° |
| Runway Approach | 5.5° |
| Aircraft Types | Embraer E190/E195 series, Airbus A318, Saab 2000, ATR 42, Cessna CitationJet series, Beechcraft Super King Air, Hawker 400 and 800, British Aerospace Jetstream 41, Dash 7, Dornier 228 |
| Airlines | British Airways, KLM Cityhopper, Lufthansa CityLine, Air Dolomiti, SWISS, LOT Polish Airlines, ITA Airways, Swiss International Air Lines |
| Destinations | Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, Chambéry, Zurich, Geneva, Milan, New York-JFK |
| Passenger Movements | 5.1 million (2019), 3.57 million (2024) |
| Operating Hours | 06:30 to 22:30 Monday to Friday, 06:30 to 13:00 on Saturdays, 12:30 to 22:30 on Sundays |
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What You'll Learn
Aircraft requiring short runways
London City Airport has a single runway that is 1,508 metres (4,948 ft) long. The short runway, combined with the airport's steep approach, limits the types of aircraft that can use it. Aircraft must be able to make a 5.5-degree approach, which is almost double that of other airports, and they must be able to climb faster than usual during takeoff.
The Embraer E-Jet family dominates operations at London City Airport. The Embraer E190/E195 series is particularly well-suited to the airport's unique geographical constraints due to its ability to handle steep approaches and short runways. The larger E195-E2 was approved for operations at the airport in November 2023, making it the largest type to be approved. The Embraer E-Jet is operated by several airlines, including British Airways' subsidiary BA CityFlyer, KLM Cityhopper, Lufthansa CityLine, Air Dolomiti, SWISS, and LOT Polish Airlines.
The Airbus A318 is another aircraft commonly seen at London City Airport. Known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities, the A318 can easily navigate the airport's shorter runway. The Airbus A220, operated by ITA Airways and SWISS, is also a common sight at the airport.
In addition to these commercial jets, several executive and corporate jets are also able to use the airport, including the Cessna CitationJet series, the Beechcraft Super King Air, and the Hawker 400 and 800. The British Aerospace Jetstream 41, a turboprop aircraft with a twin-engine configuration, is also well-suited for short-haul flights to and from London City Airport.
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Aircraft with the capacity for steep approaches
London City Airport is a bustling aviation hub in the heart of London. Its compact size and unique geographical constraints, including a relatively short runway and a steep approach, limit the types of aircraft that can operate there. The airport's proximity to London's Docklands and financial district also means that stringent rules are imposed to limit noise from aircraft operations.
The Embraer E-Jet family, including the E190 and E195 series, dominates operations at London City Airport. The Embraer series is renowned for its ability to handle steep approaches and short runways, making it well-suited to the airport's constraints. The Brazilian-made aircraft is a favourite among airlines operating short to medium-haul routes, offering passengers a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience with its spacious cabins and advanced avionics.
The Airbus A318 is another prominent aircraft known for its short takeoff and landing capabilities, making it a perfect fit for the airport's shorter runway. The A318 has become a symbol of innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with sustainability.
Other aircraft with the capacity for steep approaches that operate at London City Airport include the Saab 2000, a Swedish-made turboprop aircraft that provides reliable service for short to medium-haul routes, and the British Aerospace Jetstream 41, a compact and efficient turboprop aircraft well-suited for short-haul flights.
Additionally, a variety of commercial and executive jets are approved for use at the airport, including the ATR 42, Cessna CitationJet series, Beechcraft Super King Air, and the Hawker 400 and 800.
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Business jets
London City Airport is the smallest of London's airports, but it is also the most centrally located. Its size and location in a built-up area mean that there are restrictions on the aircraft that can use it. Larger aircraft, such as those from Boeing or Airbus, are not able to operate at the airport. However, smaller aircraft, such as private business jets, can operate at the airport.
London City Airport handles most of the private jet travellers in London. The airport is located near London's two major financial centres, Royal Docks and Canary Wharf, which makes it a popular choice for business travellers. The airport has a business feel to it and is known for its excellent welcoming services and shopping facilities.
There is a wide variety of private jet types available for charter to and from London City Airport. The most popular private jet models include the Hawker 850XP, Challenger 350, Falcon 2000XL, Global 6000, Citation Mustang, and the Gulfstream G-500. The airport also offers private jet charter flights to and from Europe, America, Russia, CIS, and Asia.
Some of the business jets that operate at London City Airport include the Dassault Falcon business jets, Beechcraft Super King Air, Cessna CitationJet series, Hawker 400, and the Hawker 800. The airport also has a jet centre catering to corporate aviation.
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Leisure jets
London City Airport is located in London, England, and is the smallest and most centrally located of London's airports. Its urban location means that it has several restrictions on the aircraft that can use it. The airport is situated in a built-up area of the docklands, with the financial centres of London, Royal Docks and Canary Wharf, just three miles away. This makes it a popular airport for business travellers, who often opt for private jets.
Due to its steep approach and runway length of under 5,000 feet, London City Airport limits its use to multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft with crews certified to fly 5.5-degree approaches. This means that larger aircraft, such as those from Boeing, are not able to operate from the airport. However, there are plenty of smaller aircraft that can be used for leisure travel.
The Embraer E-Jet family is the most popular choice, with 80.9% of flights in February 2024 using these jets. The specific Embraer E-Jets that operate at London City Airport include the 98-seat E190s, used by British Airways' regional subsidiary, BA CityFlyer, which operates on European routes. The larger E195-E2 was also approved for operations at London City in November 2023. Other Embraer E-Jet operators include KLM Cityhopper, Lufthansa CityLine, Air Dolomiti, SWISS, and LOT Polish Airlines.
The Airbus A220 is another important large regional jet at London City Airport. The smaller Airbus A220-100 is operated by SWISS and ITA Airways, while the larger A220-300 is not currently certified for the steep approach. The Airbus A318 was also a regular visitor to the airport, with British Airways operating a business class-only service to New York.
Other aircraft used at London City Airport include the ATR 42, the Dornier 328JET, and turboprop-powered aircraft such as the De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q400 and the ATR 72. Private jet travellers can also choose from a wide variety of jet types, including the Hawker 850XP, Challenger 350, Falcon 2000XL, Global 6000, Citation Mustang, and Gulfstream G-500.
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Turboprop aircraft
The British Aerospace Jetstream 41 is another essential turboprop aircraft in the London City Airport fleet. Its compact design and robust performance make it a versatile option for airlines serving diverse destinations. The Jetstream 41's twin-engine configuration and efficiency make it ideal for short-haul flights, seamlessly connecting nearby cities and regions.
In February 2024, the 76-seat De Havilland Canada DHC-8-Q400 turboprop aircraft operated 156 Luxair flights to Luxembourg and Antwerp, further highlighting the important role of turboprop aircraft at London City Airport.
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Frequently asked questions
London City Airport's small size, steep approach, and short runway mean that only certain aircraft types are permitted to land there. The most common aircraft types include the Embraer E190/E195 series, the Airbus A318, the Saab 2000, and the British Aerospace Jetstream 41.
Aircraft must be multi-engine, fixed-wing, and able to handle the steep 5.5° approach. They must also meet strict noise limitations and other restrictions due to the airport's proximity to Central London.
British Airways and its subsidiary, BA CityFlyer, are the most prevalent operators at London City Airport. Other airlines that use the airport include KLM Cityhopper, Lufthansa CityLine, Air Dolomiti, SWISS, and LOT Polish Airlines.
