Reuters reports the British government has given the green light to expansion at London’s third airport but will keep the prohibition on weekend operations in place.

 

Annual Capacity Goal Target is 9 Million by 2031

Under the new deal, the airport will be allowed to increase their annual capacity from 6.5 million passengers to 9 million by 2031. However, the Saturday prohibition on flights between 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. will remain.

 

“The Secretaries of State agree with the Inspectors’ conclusions, and agree with their recommendation,” a government document approving the move read, as quoted by Reuters. “They have decided to grant planning permission, subject to revised conditions that maintain the existing Saturday curfew period.”

 

Although officials at London City Airport say they welcome the move to offer service to more flyers, they were not thrilled about not being able to lift the curfew window. The airport said they are concerned that airlines won’t begin flying next-generation, fuel efficient windows without introducing operations in the Saturday window.

 

London City Airport isn’t the only one concerned about the environmental footprint of increasing passenger capacity. The Green Alliance told Reuters that adding more flights and passenger service “set a worrying precedent for the new government,” due to the increase in emissions.

 

The move to increase capacity was one of the first major transportation moves of the new Labour government. One of their core campaign priorities was to get aggressive on infrastructure projects across the country.

 

Share your thoughts on the London City Airport expansion plans on the FlyerTalk forums

Source: frugal travel guy