London City Airport (LCA) has been subject to a recent decision from the UK government regarding its operations. The airport, located in Newham, east London, had applied to extend its current Saturday afternoon curfew from 12:30pm to 6:30pm, but this request has been denied. However, the airport has been granted permission to increase its annual number of passengers, from 6.5 million to 9 million by 2031.
The government’s decision to maintain the Saturday afternoon curfew was made following opposition from local residents and campaigners. Despite the airport’s claims that newer, “cleaner and quieter” planes could accommodate more seats and therefore allow for an increase in passenger numbers, the government has ruled to keep the restrictions in place.
Campaign group HACAN East has described the government’s ruling as a “big win for residents”, while the mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz has called it a “victory” for the community. However, concerns have been raised about the airport’s success in securing approval for a shake-up of flight times. The number of early-morning flights has been increased from six to nine, causing concern for residents who may experience disrupted sleep patterns and increased noise pollution.
The initial application by LCA to ease flight restrictions was rejected by Newham Council last year due to concerns over climate change, pollution, and noise. The decision was then referred to the government after the airport appealed. LCA has expressed disappointment at the rejection of part of their appeal, stating that a later closing time on Saturdays would have provided more choice and flexibility for passengers.
While the increase in passenger numbers has been approved, some environmental groups have criticized the decision. Greenpeace UK has described it as a “surprising misstep undermining [the] UK’s climate leadership” and has also stated that it will mostly benefit an elite group of wealthy frequent fliers while burdening London’s poorest neighborhoods with environmental costs. Thinktank Green Alliance has also expressed disappointment, citing the government’s commitment to tackling climate change and the Climate Change Committee’s warning that airport expansion is not compatible with net zero emissions.
During the public inquiry, it was revealed that residents in the area were suffering from sleep problems and anxiety due to noise from the airport’s planes. Many feared that Saturday afternoon flights would only exacerbate these issues. A government report noted that some residents were forced to keep doors and windows closed in warm weather and pause conversations when planes took off. One resident even spent over £17,000 on soundproofing their home. In light of these concerns, Housing Secretary Angela Rayner and Transport Secretary Louise Haigh have confirmed that the Saturday curfew period will be maintained.
A government spokesperson has stated that they are committed to securing the long-term future of the aviation sector while also fulfilling environmental obligations. It remains to be seen how the decision will impact the airport and its surrounding community in the years to come.
