London City airport has reported record passenger traffic numbers for 2016 ahead of £344 million development.
In 2016 the airport, located in London’s Royal Docks, welcomed 4.5 million passengers – the largest number of passengers in its 30-year history, representing 5 per cent year-on-year growth compared to 2015.
London City Airport CEO Declan Collier said: “With 52% of all passengers travelling for business, the 5 per cent year-on-year growth demonstrates that the appetite for business travel to and from London remains strong despite the unpredictable political climate, as we prepare to expand the airport in 2017 to meet increasing demand.”
The multi-million pound development will enable 6.5 million passengers to travel through the airport by 2025 and add 29,000 additional flights per year. The privately funded investment includes plans for 7 new aircraft stands, a parallel taxiway to maximise runway capacity, and a terminal extension to accommodate increasing passenger numbers.
The busiest ever month was also recorded in 2016, in July, during which 421,518 passengers departed or arrived at the airport.
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