London City Airport: What's Inside?

what is at london city airport

London City Airport is one of London's six airports with international connections and is the closest to the City of London. The airport is located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham and is about six miles east of the City of London. London City Airport is easily accessible by train, bus, car, or taxi. The airport offers various facilities for travellers, including shops, restaurants, and a complimentary shoe-shine service. It also provides accessibility features such as wheelchair access and dedicated staff to assist travellers with disabilities.

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London City Airport is located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, about six miles (10 kilometres) east of the City of London and three miles (five kilometres) east of Canary Wharf. These are the two centres of London's financial industry, which is a major user of the airport. The airport is about 60 hectares (150 acres) in size and is the fifth busiest airport by passenger and aircraft movements serving the London area.

London City Airport is connected to the London Underground network. The airport has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which connects to Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank stations. Services run every four to 10 minutes. The Docklands Light Railway (DLR) was the UK's first fully accessible railway for wheelchair users. Every DLR station platform has lifts, escalators, or ramps, and all platforms are level with the trains for step-free access. All DLR trains have designated wheelchair areas.

Local bus routes serving London City Airport are the 473 (which travels to Stratford, Silvertown, North Woolwich, and Prince Regent DLR station) and the 474 (travelling to Canning Town, North Woolwich, and East Beckton via Silvertown).

There are also car parking spaces allocated close to the terminal building for disabled travellers. The main long- and short-stay car parks are next to the terminal. There is also a business car park. Parking can be pre-booked at a discount via the airport website. Valet parking is also available from Monday to Friday. Taxis queue for customers at London City Airport. The cost of the journey is metered and displayed inside the cab.

London City Airport is also just a short taxi or DLR ride from the ExCeL exhibition centre. Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport is a short walk from the airport terminal. Many other nearby accommodation options can be found around Canary Wharf and the Excel London exhibition centre.

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Aircraft and runway specifications

London City Airport is an international airport located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, about six miles (ten kilometres) east of the City of London. It is London's most central airport and is easily accessible by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which runs every four to 15 minutes, connecting to Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank stations.

The airport has a single runway, 1,508 metres (4,948 feet) long. This runway allows flights for the public transport of passengers and training flights for pilots operating at this airport. The glide path is set at 5.5°, which is relatively steep for a European airport, but it enables a wider range of aircraft to utilise the airport, including the BAe 146 regional jet liner, Airbus A318, Airbus A220, and Embraer E195-E2.

Only multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft with special certifications are permitted to operate at London City Airport due to strict noise limitations and other restrictions. The airport does not accommodate single-engine aircraft, helicopters, recreational flights, or single-pilot operations. Aircraft commonly serving this airport include corporate jets such as the Beechcraft Super King Air, Cessna CitationJet series, and variants of the Dassault Falcon.

The airport's size is constrained by the water-filled Royal Albert and King George V docks to the north and south, respectively, resulting in the absence of covered maintenance facilities for aircraft. However, the airport has additional aircraft stands at the western end of the apron, and a ground holding point at the eastern end of the runway enables efficient aircraft movement during take-off and landing operations.

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Passenger numbers and destinations

London City Airport is an international airport located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, about six miles (ten kilometres) east of the City of London. It is one of London's six airports with international connections and the closest to the City of London. London City Airport is the fifth busiest airport in the London area, after Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton.

Passenger numbers have fluctuated over the years, with 5.1 million passenger movements in 2019, decreasing to 3.57 million in 2024. In 1995, the airport recorded half a million passengers, which climbed to 1.58 million in 2000. Plans have been approved to increase the passenger cap from 6.5 million to 9 million, with an increase in the number of morning flights between 6:00 and 9:00.

The airport primarily serves business travellers due to its proximity to London's Docklands and financial district. Popular business travel destinations include Luxembourg and Frankfurt. However, the number of leisure destinations served has increased, with destinations such as Palma de Mallorca, Málaga, and Chambéry gaining traction. During the winter months, the airport is particularly busy, with airlines like British Airways and Swiss International Air Lines offering flights to ski resort gateway cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Milan.

London City Airport has a single 1,508-metre-long (4,948 ft) runway and strict aircraft restrictions due to its size and location. Only multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft up to a certain size are permitted, and special certifications are required for operations at the airport.

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Terminal facilities and amenities

London City Airport has a range of terminal facilities and amenities to cater to the needs of travellers. The airport is accessible by various modes of transportation, including rail, road, and air.

For those arriving by train, the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) provides convenient access to the airport. The DLR station is located next to the terminal building, with trains running every eight to fifteen minutes. The DLR is also the UK's first fully accessible railway for wheelchair users, with step-free access and designated wheelchair areas. Local bus routes, such as the 473 and 474, also serve the airport.

If you prefer a more private mode of transportation, taxi services are readily available at the airport. The airport's website provides a price comparison tool for minicab fares, ensuring travellers can make an informed choice. Additionally, car hire companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz have a presence at the airport, offering convenience for those who prefer to drive themselves.

London City Airport offers a range of amenities within the terminal to enhance the traveller experience. Bureaux de change and ATMs are conveniently located within the terminal building, both before and after the security screening area. A variety of dining options are available, including sandwich and coffee outlets in the public area, as well as restaurants, cafes, and a bar in the departures area. Travellers can also explore the shops, including a newsagent/bookshop, a jewellery and watch retailer, and a tax- and duty-free shop for last-minute purchases.

The airport also provides essential services such as a left-luggage facility, a lost property service, and a complimentary shoeshine service. It is worth noting that London City Airport maintains a silent airport policy, refraining from making announcements over the speakers except in cases of bad weather or emergencies. The airport is fully accessible to disabled passengers, with dedicated facilities and parking spaces allocated close to the terminal building to ensure a seamless experience for all travellers.

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Nearby accommodation options

London City Airport is located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, about six miles (or ten kilometres) east of the City of London. The airport is easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which connects to nearby areas such as Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank stations. The airport is also served by local bus routes 473 and 474.

For those looking for accommodation options near London City Airport, there are several choices available. One convenient option is the Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport, which is just a short walk from the airport terminal. This hotel provides easy access to the airport, making it a convenient choice for travellers with early morning flights or late arrivals.

Another area to consider for accommodation is Canary Wharf, which is located just three miles (or five kilometres) from the airport. Canary Wharf is one of London's financial centres and offers a range of hotels and other accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. It is well-connected to the airport via the DLR, making it a convenient choice for travellers.

Additionally, there are accommodation options near the Excel London exhibition centre, which is also easily accessible from the airport via a short taxi ride or the DLR. One notable option in this area is the Novotel London Excel, which offers conference space for business travellers in addition to accommodation.

When travelling to and from London City Airport, it is important to use licensed black cabs or reputable minicab companies. The airport's website provides a price comparison tool for instant quotes on minicab fares, allowing travellers to make informed choices. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, private transfer services are also available.

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Frequently asked questions

London City Airport is connected to the London Underground network. The airport has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which connects to Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank stations. Local bus routes serving the airport include the 473 and the 474. You can also take a taxi or drive yourself and park at the airport.

London City Airport offers free Wi-Fi, a left-luggage service, a lost property service, and a complimentary shoeshine service. There are also bureaux de change and ATMs located within the terminal building, both before and after the security screening area. There are several shops, including a newsagent/bookshop, a jewellery and watch retailer, and a tax- and duty-free shop. There are also sandwich and coffee outlets, restaurants, and cafes, as well as a bar in the departures area.

Only multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft up to Embraer E195-E2, Airbus A220, and A318 size with special certification to fly 5.5° approaches are allowed to operate at London City Airport. Corporate aircraft such as the Beechcraft Super King Air, Cessna CitationJet series, and variants of the Dassault Falcon business jets are also common. The airport is not available for use by single-engine aircraft or helicopters.

The Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport is a short walk from the airport terminal. There are also many other nearby accommodation options around Canary Wharf and the Excel London exhibition centre.

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