London City Airport: A Traveller's Experience

what is london city airport like

London City Airport (LCY) is an international airport located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, about 6-7 miles east of the City of London. It is London's most central airport, with a single runway and terminal, and is fairly restricted in size due to its centrality. The airport was opened in 1987 and handled 133,000 passengers in its first year of operation. As of 2017, the passenger count had increased to over 4.5 million, making it the fifth-busiest airport in the London area. London City Airport is easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which connects to several stations, and offers a range of facilities for travellers, including parking options and assistance for those with accessibility needs.

Characteristics Values
Location Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, 6-7 miles east of the City of London
Size 60 hectares (150 acres)
Year opened 1987
Number of runways 1
Number of terminals 1
Number of gates 4
Transport links Docklands Light Railway (DLR), London Underground, bus, taxi
Parking Available, including 30 minutes of free parking for Blue Badge holders
Hotels Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport and others near Canary Wharf and the Excel London exhibition centre
Destinations 30+
Passenger movements 5.1 million in 2019, 3.57 million in 2024
Aircraft Multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft up to Embraer E195-E2, Airbus A220 and A318 size
Opening hours 5:00

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London City Airport is London's most central airport

London City Airport has a single 1,508-metre-long (4,948 ft) runway and a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence, which allows flights for the public transport of passengers and training flights for pilots operating at this airport. The airport is fairly restricted in size due to its centrality, and the runway has a steep approach angle, limiting the types of aircraft that can use it. Only multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft up to Embraer E195-E2, Airbus A220, and A318 size are allowed to operate at London City Airport due to the strict noise limitations and other restrictions.

The airport is easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which connects to Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank stations, with services running every four to ten minutes. London City Airport DLR station opened in 2005, providing fast rail links to Canary Wharf and the financial district. Local bus routes serving the airport include the 473 and 474, and taxi services are also available.

London City Airport offers a range of facilities for travellers, including parking, overnight bag drop, and dedicated staff to assist travellers with accessibility needs. The airport also has its own jet centre catering to corporate aviation. The airport is connected to British Airways, offering unique business class-only services to destinations such as New York.

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It has a single runway and terminal

London City Airport is London's most centrally located airport, situated about six to seven miles east of the City of London. The airport has a single 1,508-metre-long runway and a single terminal. Due to its central location, the airport is fairly restricted in size. The runway has a steep approach angle of 5.5°, which is steeper than the standard slope of 3.0° for European airports. This steeper angle allows a larger range of aircraft to serve the airport, but it also means that only multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft up to a certain size are permitted to operate.

The airport is located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham and is easily accessible via the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), with a dedicated station that opened in 2005. The DLR provides fast connections to the financial district, including Canary Wharf, and the rest of London, with trains running every four to ten minutes. London City Airport is also served by local bus routes 473 and 474, and taxi services are available at the airport.

London City Airport caters to both business and leisure travellers, offering flights to over 30 destinations. The airport has a range of facilities, including parking options, a jet centre for corporate aviation, and nearby accommodation, such as the Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport. The airport also provides assistance for travellers with accessibility needs, and the DLR is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

The terminal building at London City Airport is where passengers go through security, passport control, and baggage reclaim. The airport has specific guidelines for baggage drop-off and check-in, with different procedures for those travelling with checked baggage or hand baggage only. London City Airport also allows liquids and electronics to remain in hand baggage when going through security, as long as they adhere to the standard liquid restrictions.

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It's located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham

London City Airport (LCY) is located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham, about six miles (or ten kilometres) east of the City of London and three miles (five kilometres) east of Canary Wharf. These two areas are the centres of London's financial industry, which is a major user of the airport. The airport's location was specifically chosen to be close to the financial heart of London, with a focus on business travellers.

London City Airport is London's most central airport, situated in Zone 3. It is easily accessible by various means of transport. The airport has its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which was the UK's first fully accessible railway for wheelchair users. The DLR station has lifts, escalators, or ramps, and all platforms are level with the trains for step-free access. The airport is also connected to the London Underground network, with services running every four to ten minutes. Local buses serving the airport include the 473 and 474 routes. If you prefer a taxi, only use a licensed black cab or a reputable minicab company, and never use unauthorised drivers.

London City Airport has a single 1,508-metre-long runway and a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence (Number P728), which allows flights for the public transport of passengers and training flights for pilots operating at this specific airport. The airport is fairly restricted in size due to its central location, and the runway has a steep approach angle, limiting the types of aircraft that can use it. Only multi-engine, fixed-wing aircraft up to a certain size with special certification are allowed to operate at the airport due to strict noise limitations and other restrictions.

The airport was developed by the engineering company Mowlem between 1986 and 1987, opening in 1987 with 133,000 passengers in its first year. In 2005, 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. London City Airport has continued to expand and improve its facilities over the years, including the addition of new aircraft parking stands and gates, and it remains a convenient and central option for travellers to and from London.

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The airport is accessible by tube, bus, taxi, and car

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. It is London's most central airport, situated seven miles east of the City of London.

Taxis are also available at London City Airport, with licensed black cabs and reputable minicab companies operating from the airport. The airport's website provides a price comparison tool for instant quotes on minicab fares. For those arriving by car, parking is available at the airport, with options for drop-off and pick-up in front of the terminal building, as well as valet parking services. London City Airport is within the Ultra Low Emissions Zone, so visitors may need to pay the ULEZ charge.

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It offers flights to 30+ destinations

London City Airport (LCY) is London's most central airport, situated about six to seven miles east of the City of London. It is located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham and is fairly restricted in size due to its centrality. The airport has a single 1,508-metre-long runway and a single terminal.

London City Airport offers flights to 30+ destinations, including New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The airport is well-connected to London's transport network, with its own stop on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which connects to Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank stations. Services run every four to ten minutes, and the airport is located in Zone 3. Local bus routes serving the airport include the 473 and 474.

London City Airport is particularly convenient for business travellers, as it is close to the financial heart of London, with fast rail links to Canary Wharf and the rest of London. The airport is also accessible by car, with parking available, and taxis queuing for customers. However, travellers should be aware that the airport is within the Ultra Low Emissions Zone, so a ULEZ charge may apply.

The airport offers a range of facilities for travellers, including dedicated staff to assist with accessibility needs. The DLR is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with lifts, escalators, or ramps at every station platform and level access to trains. London City Airport also has a variety of nearby accommodation options, including the Courtyard by Marriott, which is just a short walk from the terminal.

Frequently asked questions

London City Airport is London's most central airport, situated 6-7 miles east of the City of London. It is located in the Royal Docks in the Borough of Newham and is about 60 hectares (150 acres) in size.

London City Airport is easily accessible by Tube, bus, taxi, and private transfer. 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 ten minutes. Local bus routes serving the airport include the 473 and 474.

London City Airport offers parking options, including valet parking and overnight stay packages with airport hotels. The airport also provides 30 minutes of free parking for Blue Badge holders.

There are several accommodation options near London City Airport, including the Courtyard by Marriott London City Airport, which is within walking distance of the terminal. Other nearby hotels can be found around Canary Wharf and the Excel London exhibition centre.

London City Airport offers various amenities, including retail shops, restaurants, and a jet centre catering to corporate aviation. The airport also provides dedicated staff to assist travellers with accessibility needs.

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