London City Airport wants to allow larger planes to use the airport

"Currently, all aircraft arriving at London City Airport must use a steep 5.5-degree descent because of the airport's constrained location in east London. The airport is now proposing to add an additional, slightly shallower 4.49-degree approach that could be used by newer aircraft. The airport says that the proposed change would be limited to aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo."

"Aircraft would continue to follow the same ground tracks as they do today, with the only change being the angle of descent during the final few kilometres before landing. Departure routes would remain unchanged. The airport says the change would allow larger, quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft to operate at London City, helping it accommodate growing passenger demand."

"By allowing larger aircraft to use the airport, it is estimated that around 76,000 fewer flights would be needed over the next 12 years, as more people can be carried using fewer planes."

London City Airport is consulting on introducing a new 4.49-degree descent approach alongside the existing 5.5-degree approach to accommodate newer, larger aircraft like the Airbus A320neo. This change would enable the airport to operate quieter, more fuel-efficient planes while staying within its nine million passenger annual cap. The modification affects only the final descent angle; existing flight paths and departure routes remain unchanged. The proposal would reduce required flights by approximately 76,000 over 12 years by allowing more passengers per aircraft. Public consultation runs until May 17, 2026, with meetings scheduled in Tower Hamlets, Wanstead, and Thamesmead.

Read at ianVisits