London City Airport has responded to a report from the New Economics Foundation ‘think tank’ which said that it created little value, and would be better off closed to make more efficient use of the land. A spokesman for the airport, which was used by 3.3 million passengers last year and is owned by US-based Global Infrastructure Partners said that it provides a fast route to the capital’s business, financial and political centres — currently the destination for half its passengers.

The airport has been given permission to grow from 70,000 to 120,000 flights per year, but it is waiting for planning permission to extend the terminal and to construct a new taxiway and aircraft stands. It could then accommodate next-generation jets such as the Bombardier C-Series and the Embraer E2, which can carry about 135-145 passengers, as opposed to aircraft with fewer than 100 at present.

Catering for larger aircraft would also open up destinations such as the Gulf, the Middle East, Russia, North Africa and the East Coast of the USA, according to the spokesman (at present, British Airways business-class-only flights to the USA must re-fuel in Ireland). The planning decision is expected in July.

Alan Haughton, of Stop City Airport Masterplan, said his organisation has urged Newham Council to oppose the planning application. It says that more flights will hinder the development of the surrounding land because the law stipulates that a ‘crash zone’ must be left undeveloped around the site. It also claims that construction has already been affected, with the Pinnacle tower in the City being forced to reduce its height after a request from the Civil Aviation Authority.