London City Airport Large Jet Plans Face Opposition Over Noise and Emissions

London City Airport’s proposal to accommodate larger aircraft by lowering its flight approach path faces considerable opposition from the London Assembly’s environment committee.

The airport, which received government permission in 2024 to expand its annual passenger capacity from 6.5 million to 9 million, now seeks approval to allow planes like the Airbus A320neo. Airport officials contend that larger, more modern aircraft would enable increased passenger numbers with fewer flights and reduced noise.

However, the London Assembly committee has called for an immediate halt to these plans, demanding “independent and real-world assessments” of the potential impact. The committee highlighted that a shallower flight approach would result in planes flying 27 metres lower over parts of East London.

In a letter to airport chief executive Andy Cliffe, Léonie Cooper, the committee’s deputy chair, stated that the airport’s current data was “not sufficient to fully understand the noise impact, and the health and quality of life of residents living and working nearby.” The cross-party group also raised concerns that this change could facilitate new routes and an overall increase in flight numbers.

London City Airport maintains that the proposal would “unlock more destinations and support London's connectivity and economic growth,” with a spokesperson asserting that “larger capacity, new‑generation aircraft will mean fewer flights and less noise disturbance.”

The Civil Aviation Authority is expected to decide on the flight approach alteration by autumn.