The Open Guide to London: the free London guide

The smallest of London's airports, however many you think there are, with a single terminal at the western end of the single 3934-foot runway (heading 10/28). Because of the existing buildings in the area, a 5.5 degree approach slope is enforced (the standard is 3 degrees), which combined with noise restrictions and the short runway severely limits the types of aircraft that are able to operate here. In particular, the only commercial jets that have received type approval are the BAe 146 (aka Avro RJ), Dornier 328, ATR 42, Saab 2000, Embraer EMB135 and Fokker F50. The possibility of the Airbus A318 being certified is being investigated, as the RJ series and Fokker 50 are nearing the end of their service lives.

For this reason, most of the flights from City are fairly short. Much of the UK and western Europe is easily accessible, but you won't find transatlantic flights taking off from here.

Single-engine aircraft, helicopters and other VTOL craft, and club/leisure flying are not permitted other than in exceptional circumstances.

City is unusual in major British airports in that it is not owned or operated by BAA, the British Airports Authority. It may be for this reason, or because it's the smallest London airport, but I have found that it's by far the most pleasant London airport to fly through.

A DLR extension was opened in 2005 to serve the airport.

Once a year the airport hosts a "fun day", a combination carnival/funfair and air show, usually on the first Saturday in July. In 2004 this happened on 3 July. Press release More information Roger's photographs of the air show

• Flight departures
• Flight arrivals
• Consultative Committee web site
• Allowed aircraft types