London City Airport, United Kingdom

London City Airport (LCA) is located in the Royal Docks area of London, principally serving the financial district. In 2009, the airport was the fifth busiest in terms of passengers and aircraft movements in the London area. It is owned by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) and Highstar Capital (Highstar).

The airport opened to the public in October 1986. With good accessibility and faster check-in times, it attracts greater number of business travellers than any other airport in London. LCA connects 31 destinations in the UK and Europe, and handled 2.8 million passengers and witnessed over 76,861 aircraft movements in 2009.

London City Airport master plan

The airport's 2006 master plan outlines the growth and developments that will take place at London City Airport up to 2030.

The master plan forecasts that the airport will accommodate eight million passengers by 2030.

The construction of four new aircraft parking stands and a pier, and the expansion of the departure lounge were completed in May 2008.

Enhancement work worth £7m is under way at the terminal and is scheduled to be completed by the beginning of 2011. Future developments stated in the master plan include the construction of new air traffic control tower, a taxi lane, aircraft parking and hangar facilities. Other planned developments include the expansion of the terminal and hangar buildings and parking facilities.

The terminal enhancement contract was awarded to AA Lovegrove and the project is being managed by Atkins Design and Engineering.

Phase 1 development started in mid 2010 and is expected to be completed by the end of July 2010. Phases 2 and 3 are scheduled between 2015 and 2030.

The existing runway will be used optimally to accommodate traffic during 2012 Olympic Games.

The main games location in Stratford is just 3km away from the LCA and the Olympic Village will have direct, frequent Docklands Light Railway (DLR) services by 2010.

LCA terminal features

The passenger terminal at the LCA was opened in 1987. It features check-in facilities, ticket counters, security, a departure lounge, a departure and arrival pier, departure gate areas, domestic and international baggage reclaim areas, immigration and customs, shops, a business centre and food outlets. The enhanced terminal will feature an enlarged passenger search area and additional space in the departure lounge.

The departure lounge located on the first floor offers seating for 326 passengers. The west side of terminal building accommodates baggage reclaim area, immigration facilities and accommodation for control authorities and handling agents. Departure gate lounges on the ground floor accommodate 50 passengers each. The compact structure of the terminal allows shorter check-in and boarding times in comparison with other airports.

The terminal has a range of passenger facilities including ATMs, bureau de change, dining outlets, information desk, internet access, left luggage service, post box, smoking areas, telephones, toilets and baby changing facilities.

Runway

London City Airport has a single runway strip. The runway measures 1,199m in length and is of concrete. There is no parallel taxiway serving the runway. The runway can handle aircraft up to the size of a BAe 146 regional jet. A holding point for three aircraft is provided at the eastern end of the runway to improve the efficiency of the runway during peak hours.

Air traffic control tower

The air traffic control (ATC) tower at LCA is located on the north-east side of the terminal building. The tower is operated by National Air Traffic Services (NATS). It uses the electronic flight progress strip (EFPS) system developed by NAV CANADA. The EFPS enables the operators to efficiently handle the complex air traffic control operations.

London city airport ground transportation

The ground transportation infrastructure at the LCA includes DLR link and station, road link, bus pick-up and drop off areas, taxi rank and car hire facilities. The DLR station is connected to the terminal through an enclosed walkway. Light rail is available at eight to 15-minute intervals.

Transport for London operates bus services to and from the airport. Bus pick-up and drop-off points are located in front of the terminal. Passengers can also reserve shuttle bus service and an executive ride share service, which runs between Central London and the airport. A taxi rank and hire car services are also available in front of the terminal.

Parking

The airport has four car-parking areas, two for passengers and two for staff. The business or short-stay car park is located closest to the terminal building. It features 164 places in addition to 12 spaces for disabled parking. Another 18 spaces for the valet parking service are situated opposite the terminal building. The main car park offers 611 spaces. Around 250 car park places at both the east and west ends of the Airport are provided for staff. A covered pedestrian walkway connects the car parks with the terminal building.