London City Airport has initiated a public consultation regarding plans to permit the use of larger yet quieter aircraft. However, this change necessitates modifications to the approach angles for landing aircraft.
Currently, all planes arriving at London City Airport are required to follow a steep descent of 5.5 degrees due to the airport’s limited space in east London. The proposed plan includes introducing an additional, slightly less steep approach angle of 4.49 degrees, which would be suitable for newer aircraft models.
The airport has indicated that this adjustment would primarily apply to aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo, while most existing planes would continue to utilize the current 5.5-degree descent.
This proposal does not intend to change existing flight paths. Aircraft will maintain the same ground tracks as they do currently, with the only modification being the descent angle during the final kilometers before landing. Departure routes will remain unaffected.
According to the airport, this change would enable the operation of larger, quieter, and more fuel-efficient aircraft at London City, thereby helping to meet the increasing passenger demand within the government-imposed limit of nine million passengers annually.
By accommodating larger aircraft, it is projected that approximately 76,000 fewer flights will be necessary over the next 12 years, as more passengers can be transported with fewer planes.
The public consultation is set to run until May 17, 2026, with further details available online.
Public meetings are scheduled as follows:
- Thursday, April 9, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Idea Store, Chrisp Street, Tower Hamlets, E14 6BT
- Thursday, April 16, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Wanstead Library, 3 Spratt Hall Road, E11 2RQ
- Tuesday, April 21, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Thamesmere Leisure Centre, Thamesmead, SE28
Bildquelle: Joerg Mangelsen auf Pexels
