London City Airport (LCY) is the capital’s most convenient gateway. Located just 6 miles from Central London, this business traveller favourite has undergone a major transformation in 2026. A £200 million terminal expansion has doubled passenger capacity. New routes to Dubai, Zurich, and Milan have been added. And the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) connection remains the fastest airport transfer in the city. Whether you are flying for business or leisure, here is everything you need to know about London City Airport in 2026. Unlike the dramatic twists of Tyler Perry’s Beauty in Black, navigating London City Airport is straightforward and stress-free.
London City Airport: Key Facts and Overview
London City Airport opened in 1987 on the site of the former Royal Docks. It was designed specifically for business travellers, with quick check-ins, short walking distances, and proximity to Canary Wharf and the City of London.
- IATA Code: LCY
- ICAO Code: EGLC
- Distance to Central London: 6 miles (10 km)
- 2025 Passenger Numbers: 5.2 million (up 18% from 2024)
- Number of Airlines: 12
- Number of Destinations: 40+
- Runway Length: 1,508 metres – short but famous for its steep approach (5.5 degrees, compared to 3 degrees at most airports)
The short runway means only specific aircraft can use London City – primarily the Embraer E190, Airbus A220, and BAe 146. This limits noise pollution over East London and maintains the airport’s unique character.
Just as Storm Floris disrupted travel across Scotland, any delay at LCY can have a ripple effect. But on a normal day, it is the smoothest airport experience in the UK.
New Routes for 2026: Where Can You Fly From London City?
2026 has been a bumper year for new route announcements at LCY. Here are the most significant additions:
British Airways (New Routes)
BA has expanded its LCY operation with daily flights to Zurich (Switzerland) and Milan Linate (Italy). Both routes launched in March 2026 using Embraer E190 aircraft. Fares start from £89 one-way.
LOT Polish Airlines (New Route)
LOT launched a 5-times-weekly service to Warsaw Chopin in April 2026. This connects London’s financial district to Poland’s capital for the first time from LCY. Fares start from £79 one-way.
SWISS (New Route)
SWISS added a second daily flight to Geneva, complementing their existing Zurich service. The new flight departs LCY at 17:30, perfect for business travellers finishing their workday.
Sky Alps (New Airline)
Italian regional carrier Sky Alps began flying from LCY to Bolzano in the Dolomites in May 2026. This is the first direct connection from London to the South Tyrol region. Fares start from £129 return.
Popular Existing Routes
The busiest routes from LCY remain Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Dublin, Frankfurt, and Glasgow. Amsterdam (KLM) has up to 8 daily flights, making it the airport’s busiest international route.
Just as choosing the right exercise bike depends on your needs, choosing the right London airport depends on your destination. LCY is best for European business destinations and short-haul leisure.
Terminal Expansion: The New LCY Experience
The £200 million City Terminal Transformation Programme was completed in January 2026. Here is what has changed:
- Terminal size doubled: From 12,000 sq m to 24,000 sq m. Capacity increased from 3.5 million to 6.5 million passengers annually.
- New security hall: 12 new security lanes with next-generation CT scanners. Passengers no longer need to remove laptops or liquids from bags.
- Expanded departures lounge: Doubled in size with 2,000 seats, new charging points, and improved natural lighting.
- Five new retail units: Including Fortnum & Mason, WHSmith Local, Pret A Manger, Leon, and a Champagne bar from Searcys.
- New business lounge: The “LCY Gateway Lounge” opened in February 2026. It costs £35 for entry or is free for priority pass holders and business class passengers.
- Improved arrivals hall: Expanded baggage reclaim with six belts (up from three) and a dedicated meet-and-greet area.
The expansion received the “Best UK Airport Terminal” award at the 2026 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
How to Get to London City Airport: Transport Options
LCY is the most accessible London airport by public transport. Here are your options:
Docklands Light Railway (DLR) – Best and Fastest
The DLR has a dedicated station at the airport entrance. Journey times:
Canning Town: 5 minutes
Stratford: 15 minutes
Bank (City of London): 22 minutes
Canary Wharf: 12 minutes
London City Airport DLR station is in Zone 3. A single fare to Bank is £3.60 off-peak, £4.20 peak using contactless or Oyster.
Elizabeth Line (via Custom House)
The Elizabeth Line station at Custom House is a 10-minute walk (or 2-minute free shuttle bus) from the terminal. Journey times:
Liverpool Street: 14 minutes
Tottenham Court Road: 19 minutes
Paddington: 24 minutes
Heathrow: 48 minutes (one change at Paddington)
Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Taxis from LCY to Central London take 30-50 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated fares:
To Canary Wharf: £15-£20
To Bank/City: £25-£35
To West End: £40-£55
Uber and Bolt are available from the dedicated ride-hailing pick-up zone outside arrivals.
Bus
Bus routes 473 and 474 connect LCY to Canning Town, East Ham, and North Woolwich. Buses are slower than the DLR but cheaper (£1.75 single).
Just as Omaze UK winners suddenly find themselves with new homes, LCY travellers suddenly find themselves in Central London within 30 minutes of landing.
Airlines Operating at London City Airport (2026)
Twelve airlines currently operate from LCY. Here is the full list with their destinations:
| Airline | Primary Destinations | Aircraft Type |
|---|---|---|
| British Airways | Edinburgh, Glasgow, Zurich, Milan, Nice, Florence | Embraer E190 |
| KLM | Amsterdam (8x daily) | Embraer E175/E190 |
| Lufthansa | Frankfurt, Munich | Embraer E190 |
| SWISS | Zurich, Geneva | Airbus A220 |
| LOT Polish | Warsaw | Embraer E175 |
| Sky Alps | Bolzano | Dash 8-400 |
| Loganair | Isle of Man, Dundee, Newquay | ATR 42/72 |
| Flybe (revived) | Belfast City, Dublin, Cardiff | Dash 8-400 |
| Air France | Paris Charles de Gaulle | Embraer E170 |
| Alitalia (ITA) | Rome Fiumicino | Airbus A220 |
| Luxair | Luxembourg | Dash 8-400 |
Just as Back Market UK offers refurbished options to save money, LCY offers premium convenience at a slightly higher fare price than Heathrow or Gatwick.
LCY Business Lounge: LCY Gateway Lounge Review
The newly opened LCY Gateway Lounge is a game-changer for business travellers. Located after security in the departures lounge, it offers:
- 130 seats including work pods, armchairs, and dining tables
- Free high-speed WiFi (tested at 200Mbps)
- Complimentary hot food (full English breakfast, lunch carvery, evening tapas)
- Open bar (premium spirits, Champagne, craft beer)
- Shower suites (towels and amenities provided)
- Private meeting room (seats 8, bookable in advance)
Access:
Pay-per-use: £35 for up to 3 hours (book online for £30)
Priority Pass: Free (standard membership)
DragonPass: Free
Business class passengers: Free (on selected airlines including BA, SWISS, KLM)
LCY Gateway Lounge is open 05:00 – 21:00 daily.
Hotels Near London City Airport
If you have an early morning flight or a late arrival, several hotels are within walking distance or a short DLR ride:
- Moxy London Excel: 5-minute walk. Trendy, affordable, rooms from £89/night.
- Aloft London Excel: 5-minute walk. Marriott brand with a pool. Rooms from £119/night.
- Sunborn London: A superyacht hotel permanently moored at Royal Victoria Dock. Unique experience. Rooms from £159/night.
- Hampton by Hilton London Docklands: 10-minute DLR ride to LCY. Free breakfast. Rooms from £99/night.
- Good Hotel: A social enterprise hotel on a floating barge. Profits go to charity. Rooms from £79/night.
Tips for Flying from London City Airport
- Arrive 60 minutes before short-haul flights: LCY is small. One hour is plenty, even with the new security scanners. Two hours for business class lounge access.
- No liquids or laptop removal: The new CT scanners mean you can leave everything in your bag. Keep liquids under 100ml as usual.
- Check your aircraft type: Some airlines (Loganair, Luxair) use turboprops (Dash 8, ATR). These are noisier than jets but still comfortable.
- Use contactless for DLR: Tap in and out with your bank card or phone. Avoid buying paper tickets – they are more expensive.
- Book lounge access in advance: The LCY Gateway Lounge often sells out on weekday mornings. Book online for £30 instead of £35 on the door.
- Bring noise-cancelling headphones: The airport is quiet, but the steep take-off climb (5.5 degrees) can be intense for nervous flyers.
Just as Man City games require planning to get tickets, flying from LCY requires planning to get the best fares. Book at least 6 weeks in advance for business routes like Amsterdam and Zurich.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is London City Airport closed on weekends? No. LCY operates 7 days a week. However, the airport closes overnight from 22:30 to 05:00 due to noise restrictions. No flights depart or arrive during these hours.
Does London City Airport have flights to New York? No. The runway is too short for transatlantic aircraft. For New York, fly from Heathrow or Gatwick.
How early should I arrive for a flight from LCY? One hour is sufficient for short-haul European flights. If checking a bag, add 15 minutes. For lounge access, arrive 90 minutes before departure.
Can I take the Elizabeth Line to London City Airport? The Elizabeth Line stops at Custom House, which is a 10-minute walk or free shuttle bus from the terminal. The DLR is more convenient and stops directly at the airport.
Does London City Airport have a currency exchange? Yes. A Moneycorp exchange desk is located in the arrivals hall. ATMs are available before and after security.
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