Roberta Aguirre
London City Airport is located just 9 miles from Central London, making it the closest airport to the city centre. However, its short runway and steep approach mean that only smaller aircraft can land there. The runway is just 1,508 metres long, compared to Heathrow's 3,902 metres, and requires a descent rate of 5.5° compared to the standard 3°. This means that only smaller private jets and regional aircraft can operate from London City Airport, while larger jets and heavy aircraft cannot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Runway length | 1,508 meters (4,948 feet) |
| Runway width | 30 meters |
| Descent rate | 5.5° |
| Standard descent rate at other airports | 3° |
| Aircraft types | Smaller private jets, regional aircraft, ATR 42, ATR 72, Airbus A318, Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, BAe 146/Avro RJ, Dornier 328, Embraer ERJ 135, Embraer 170, Embraer 190, Fokker 50, Cessna CitationJet series, Beechcraft Super King Air, Hawker 400 and 800 |
| Operational hours | Monday to Friday: 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday: 6:30 am to 12:30 pm, Sunday: 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Holidays: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm |
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What You'll Learn
Runway length restrictions
London City Airport's runway is only 1,508 meters (4,948 feet) long, which is relatively short compared to other airports. For example, London Heathrow's runway is 3,902 meters long. The short runway length at London City Airport restricts the types of aircraft that can operate there.
The airport is best suited for smaller private jets and regional aircraft due to its limited runway length. Larger jets and heavy aircraft may not be able to use the airport because of the short runway. This restriction may impact travellers who require long-haul flights or those travelling in larger groups.
The short runway also affects the takeoff and landing dynamics at London City Airport. Aircraft must make full use of the available runway during takeoff and climb at a faster-than-usual rate. This requires pilots to have specific training and a particular rating to handle the steep approach.
The runway length restriction at London City Airport is just one of several factors that influence the types of aircraft that can operate there. Other considerations include the steep approach required, operational constraints, and restricted operating hours. These factors collectively contribute to the unique challenges and complexities of flying into and out of London City Airport.
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Steep approach requirements
London City Airport has a steep approach requirement for landing, with a rate of descent almost double that of other airports. The approach is at 5.5°, compared with a standard approach of around 3° at other airports. This is due to the height of the buildings surrounding the airport and to minimize noise pollution for the airport's neighbours. This also affects take-off, with aircraft making full use of the runway and climbing faster than usual.
The steep approach requirement means that aircraft must be technically capable of making this approach, and pilots must be experienced and have undergone specific training for this type of landing. This requires a particular rating for pilots. The short runway at London City Airport, at just 1,508 meters long and 30 meters wide, also limits the airport to smaller private jets and regional aircraft. Larger jets and heavy aircraft may not be able to operate at the airport.
Several aircraft have been approved for steep approach landings at London City Airport, including the Airbus A220-100, which completed tests for the 5.5-degree approach in 2017 and was certified for the steep approach landing. Other approved aircraft include the ATR 42 (both the -ATR 42-300 and ATR 42-500 variants), the Embraer 190, and the Beechcraft Super King Air.
The steep approach requirement at London City Airport is a significant consideration for pilots and aircraft operators, and it plays a crucial role in determining which aircraft can safely land at the airport. The unique challenges posed by the airport's location and physical dimensions have led to the implementation of these steep approach requirements, which in turn influence the types of aircraft and operations that can be accommodated.
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Operational constraints
London City Airport has several operational constraints that limit the types of aircraft that can land there. Firstly, the airport has a short runway length of only 1,508 meters (4,948 feet), which restricts its use to smaller private jets and regional aircraft. Larger jets and heavy aircraft may not be able to operate on this short runway, limiting its suitability for long-haul flights or larger groups.
Secondly, the airport requires a steep approach for landing and takeoff due to the height of the surrounding buildings. The rate of descent is almost double that of other airports, with a 5.5° glideslope compared to the standard 3°. This steep approach not only requires aircraft to be technically capable but also mandates that pilots undergo specific training and obtain a particular rating to handle this challenging landing.
Thirdly, the airport's proximity to Central London results in stringent rules to limit noise impact from aircraft operations. The steep glideslope, in part, helps maintain lower noise levels for nearby residents. The lack of taxiways also contributes to complexity during peak hours, with air traffic controllers managing over 38 flights per hour.
Furthermore, London City Airport has restricted operational hours compared to other London airports. It operates from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays, with reduced hours on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. These constraints may disrupt travelers who require flexibility or early morning/late-night flights, making alternative airports with 24/7 operations more suitable for such schedules.
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Aircraft weight restrictions
London City Airport has a number of weight restrictions that impact the types of aircraft that can land there. The airport's runway is only 1,508 meters (4,948 feet) long, which is significantly shorter than the runways at other London airports, such as Heathrow, which has a 3,902-meter runway. The short runway at London City Airport limits the airport to smaller private jets and regional aircraft, while larger jets and heavy aircraft may not be able to operate there. This weight restriction is further compounded by the airport's steep approach requirement, which is 5.5° compared to the standard approach of around 3° at other airports. This steep approach requires specific pilot training and aircraft capabilities, making it unsuitable for larger, heavier aircraft.
The weight restrictions at London City Airport are primarily driven by the airport's proximity to Central London and the need to limit noise impact from aircraft operations. The shorter runway and steep approach help to reduce noise pollution for the airport's neighbours. Additionally, the airport's size and layout constraints, including the lack of taxiways, contribute to its busy nature during peak hours, further impacting its ability to accommodate larger aircraft.
The weight restrictions at London City Airport have resulted in the dominance of specific aircraft types, such as the Embraer series, which are commonly used by airlines operating at the airport. These aircraft are designed to meet the weight and size requirements necessary for safe operations at the airport.
While London City Airport caters to smaller private jets and regional aircraft, larger jets or heavy aircraft are encouraged to utilize alternative airports in the London area, such as London Stansted or Farnborough Airport, which offer longer runways and less restrictive operating conditions. London City Airport's weight restrictions are carefully considered by pilots and aviation companies when planning their journeys to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience.
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Pilot experience requirements
London City Airport has a unique set of requirements for pilots due to its location and infrastructure. The airport is located very close to Central London, and this proximity to residential areas necessitates stringent rules to limit noise pollution. The runway is relatively short at 1,508 meters long and 30 meters wide, and it also requires a steep approach with a descent rate of 5.5°, almost double that of other airports.
These factors present a set of challenges that pilots must be experienced in handling. Pilots must undergo specific training to operate at London City Airport, including conversion training and simulator training for the steep approach, short runway, and landing. This training ensures pilots are capable of executing the steep approach, which is necessary for the aircraft to clear the surrounding buildings. The short runway also demands that aircraft climb faster than usual during take-off.
Due to these unique requirements, London City Airport is best suited for smaller private jets and regional aircraft. Larger jets and heavy aircraft may not be able to operate at this airport due to the physical constraints. The airport is not approved for single-engine aircraft, helicopters, recreational flights, or single-pilot operations.
Some of the approved aircraft for London City Airport include the ATR 42, ATR 72, Airbus A318, Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, BAe 146/Avro RJ, Dornier 328, Embraer ERJ 135, Embraer 170, Embraer 190, and Fokker 50. Corporate jets such as the Cessna CitationJet series, Beechcraft Super King Air, and Hawker 400 and 800 are also permitted.
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Frequently asked questions
London City Airport caters to smaller private jets and regional aircraft due to its short runway and steep approach requirements. Larger jets or heavy aircraft cannot operate here. Some approved aircraft include ATR 42, ATR 72, Airbus A318, Embraer ERJ 135, Embraer 170, Embraer 190, and Beechcraft Super King Air.
London City Airport has a short runway of 1,508 meters and a width of only 30 meters. It also requires a steep approach of 5.5 degrees due to the height of surrounding buildings. These factors limit the types of aircraft that can safely operate at the airport.
London City Airport is located just 9 miles from Central London, making it the closest airport to the city centre. This proximity is convenient for business travellers as it provides quick access to the financial district. The airport also offers efficient fixed-base operator (FBO) services for swift processing of private jet passengers.
Yes, the restricted runway length and steep approach at London City Airport may pose challenges for larger private jets. The airport also has limited operating hours compared to other London airports, which may disrupt travellers who need flexibility with their schedules. Additionally, high parking and handling fees may be a consideration for cost-conscious travellers.
Pilots landing at London City Airport must undergo specific training for the steep approach, short runway, and unique operating environment. This includes simulator training to ensure they are proficient in handling the aircraft during landing and takeoff. Pilots must also have the necessary rating for this type of approach.
