London City airport has been given planning approval for a £200 million investment that will significantly boost capacity.
Newham Council last night gave the go ahead to an extended terminal, a new taxi-way and additional parking stands for larger aircraft at the airport in east London.
The plans will mean the airport will operate up to 111,000 annual flights, from the 70,000 currently. London City said the new capacity will help “ease the pressure” on existing airport infrastructure in London and the UK.
Under the new expansion plans the airport said by 2023 it will generate additional short-haul capacity, create 1,500 jobs, double economic impact to £1.5 billion a year, and add “greater levels” of investment in east London.
Airport chief executive Declan Collier said: “Expansion will allow us to increase the flight capacity over the next few years that London so badly needs now.
“This is a great result for the capital and will be a catalyst for significant inward economic growth and regeneration.
“It will deliver a world-class international gateway to Newham and London and generate additional short-haul aviation capacity for the UK.”
Around two-thirds of passengers using the airport are business travellers.