London City gets permission to expand

London City Airport has been given permission for major expansion by 2010.

The London Borough of Newham has allowed it to increase the number of flight movements from 80,000 a year to 120,000.

This means it will handle up to 3.9 million passengers by 2010.

A spokeswoman for London City said the decision “recognises the airport’s importance in the community, its contribution to the local economy and the increased number of jobs that will become available to local residents as a result of its growth”.

The increase flight numbers will see no change to the current airport operating hours.

By Bev Fearis