Which Aircraft Can Land At London City Airport?

London City Airport is the smallest, but most centrally located, of London’s airports. With its size and location, it has several restrictions on aircraft that can use it. Nothing larger than an Airbus A318 lands there, but there are plenty of smaller aircraft that can operate, as this video explores.
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[@devansh8846]

i wonder what LCY pilots feel when they approach and land at some normal airport. specially when they are trained for something unusual.

[@kleeblattchen38]

nothing special at all?... they are normal commercial pilots as everyone else who fly to other usual destinations most of the times, they just have this extra training and certification to fly into london city...

[@hewhohasnoidentity4377]

There are dozens of airports around the world with special requirements. London City isn't that unusual. The only thing that makes it stand out is that it combines safety related restrictions with the "We just don't want you here so go away" restrictions.

[@pilotmatthew]

You get used to it but it is a very different perspective, although over 50% of the flights are to normal airports.

[@SimonWallwork]

Nothing.

[@ey7290]

September 9th was the first time I flew into City Airport. Originally I was supposed to fly to Gatwick September 8th but my flight was cancelled, the next one I could rebook from where I was in Germany was the following morning from Frankfurt to City. Also my first time on an Embraer. Fun little aircraft. And a fun steep approach, although we came in from the East so didn't get to see the City. No harm done because I walked through the city from Tower Gate to London Bridge. Although course this was the day after the Queen died so the atmosphere wasn't there

[@vincezab1]

I live in London and fly out of LCY any chance I can. In addition to the thrilling takeoffs and landings, LCY is an absolute breeze to get into and out of. I don't think it's ever taken me longer than 5 or 10 minutes to get into or out of the airport, including security when leaving from LCY and baggage collection after landing. THE best way to get to Europe from the UK.

[@ChrisMelville]

"To Europe"? The UK is IN Europe. I think you mean "To the Continent".

[@aleksanderc9573]

@@ChrisMelville Probably means mainland Europe

[@BobSmith-rf3ph]

It's a fun, if a little disconcerting airport to fly in/out of as a passenger, nothing quite like knowing you're hurtling down a runway towards a bank of office blocks not really too far ahead! The terminal though is pretty cramped & limited, the cheap & easy transport links to most of London mean it's one of the two I prefer (Heathrow also being on the underground) versus say Gatwick or Stanstead which can both add a sizeable chunk of time & money getting into London.

[@SandipanNath123]

What about Luton? 😂

[@stevenmanclark7361]

I was cabin crew for British Airways city express(now city flyer) and have the chance on a few occasions to be in the flight deck for landing and takeoff and it’s an experience I will never forget

[@theodorec5775]

I flew BA into LCY from Edinburgh earlier this year and I loved everything about the experience. From touchdown to turning the key on my hotel in the Docklands was about 25 minutes thanks to a quick trip through the terminal and a swift cab ride.

[@xander1052]

Although it's definitely not as bad as at LHR, you really don't need the (relatively) expensive cab from LCY given the DLR stops there and goes to every part of the Docklands area for pretty cheap. Too bad there isn't multiple terminals at City though so it doesn't have free fares at stations like Heathrow does... (though it does have the only ticket office on the whole DLR network)

[@Titot182]

Did an LCY - FRA on BA on one of the hottest days in July. Tailwind components on both ends of the runway with the windsock deflecting south towards Woolwich, the pilot comes on to say "We're in a peculiar situation where we're quite heavy and there's no headwind on either end of the runway, we might be sat here for a while" whilst on RWY 27. After 1 failed take-off attempt, and another that got cancelled due to an aircraft on final approach, we backtracked and took off on the reciprocating runway. Probably the most aggressive acceleration I've felt... that E190 definitely felt like a sports car compared to a 773 or 380 taking off from LHR. Missed the spectacular views of the docklands, but we were greeted by a base leg over the Shard, Tower of London and Canary Wharf on our return. I'd definitely fly out of LCY again, because with the purple train taking you to a stone's throw away, with a smaller airport, it's more convenient than LHR for business trips.

[@jaysmith1408]

The incredible thing I was told, is that the Embraers have the same engines as the CRJ’s, yet presumably larger and heavier. Those Embraers are incredible machines. The CRJ’s….bah.

[@SimonWallwork]

I used to work here as an Embraer pilot. It can get quite sporty in a strong Southerly. The RJ-100 was the perfect jet for the place, the 190SR was good but the 170 with its more highly loaded wing was a little prone to setting off the 'Windshear warning'.

[@primeprover]

Are redirections to secondary airports more common due to weather at LCY?

[@SimonWallwork]

@@primeprover Yes. I think I've diverted from LCY more than any other airport. It has high minima due to the RoD on the steep approach, so fog is a problem. Also they are slow to clear snow, and we had a zero tailwind for landing restriction- but it was mainly fog. Usually, we'd just hop over to Southend.

[@HowDUOdo]

Flew many times between ZRH and LCY… the number of times the Swiss Avro flights were cancelled while the CFE E190s flew was ridiculous… after some digging I found it was often due to runway contamination and the lack of reverse thrusters on the RJ… the E-jets were the best aircraft at the time on that routing…

[@gerardharrison262]

My favourite London airport by far. I always try to fly from LCY if possible. A small airport, no vast expanses of shops etc., and a short walk to the aircraft. And so fast to get out of after arriving from abroad. A short walk to the terminal from the aircraft and then straight to the DLR station.

[@georgearmani5867]

Hello, lovely work and without wishing to be pedantic don't forget that the RJ85 (and not just the BAE146) is technically certified into EGLC, although I do appreciate that 'City jet' that operated that aircraft doesn't operate the same routes anymore, keep up the fantastic work and good luck!

[@airbus321]

Great video!

[@fatbudgiekillen8997]

Excellent presentation thank you.

[@jimmyadams4181]

Love this Airport. Just like flying was 30 years ago. I get there about three hours before departure time and watch planes landing and taking off and all that it entails, refuelling, baggage handling, toilet vacuuming, . A must for any flying enthusiasts. 😊✈

[@jforcemember]

I live near LCY, and the best thing is that I see every plane landing or taking off, brings joy to me and gives me more time to see the planes in the weekends, and the A220's are seen every 7:56AM in the morning for it's landing.

[@TonyTheYouTuba]

Used to walk around this runway perimeter a lot, esp as daily exercise during lockdown. The tate and Lyle factory just south of the runway is a cool looking building too.

[@alangraham7763]

I have not been lucky enough to actually fly into LCY but loved watching aircraft approaching and landing from a cabin on the Emirates Airlines cable car on both the way over and back from Greenwich , Never even got off , had the return journey just to watch what was going on at LCY!

[@ekaftan]

Of course a BAE.146 ... a gorgeous aircraft...

[@R.-.]

Runway should be extended eastwards to the Thames so larger, longer range aircraft can operate there.

[@breathtakingblue]

Flew from city many times... The A318 my favourite. Sadly, no longer operating with BA.

[@aerohk]

love the carrier style landings, awesome airport

[@ekuche8335]

I’m so excited to fly out of this airport next year… awesome location!

[@leschase1824]

I used to fly from LCY to Palma Mallorca for my holidays on a number of times with BA in the past, and cheap when Tesco were working with BA flights. My late wife and I used to save up for Business Class to and from the airport. Also I had to get to Palma quick, and I took a flight out from LCY and returned to Gatwick with easyJet, as the 2 flights were the only way with what I needed. I parked my car at Gatwick and public transport to LCY for the outward flight . I always had confidence in the flight crew and I did not feel too much difference in takeoff and landing at this aircraft carrier airport, as it has been called in the past.

[@carsten2293]

I flew to LCY on a British Airways E170. Just an amazing approach

[@riggy1990]

You just got me even more excited for my day trip to Dublin later this year In and out of LCY in the same day :D

[@jacquesabella5451]

This is my favourite airport! I flew in from Nice to LCY 2 months ago and I'm very pleased with the airport!

[@nathanw9770]

I've only landed once at LCY back in 2018 on a flight from Amsterdam with my family, when we were coming back from Rotterdam carnival. This was onboard a BA Embraer E190SR. The approach over East London is very amusing and somewhat nerve racking at the same time since the descent is noticeably more rapid than at more conventional airports, plus the fact that you can't really see the airport perimeter until the last second since it's next to the river Thames. The landing and braking is probably the most exciting and scariest part since it is pretty rough but also reassuring knowing the plane can stop in time with ease. So yeah I would definitely recommend flying to London via City Airport if you can.

[@manifestgtr]

The coolest route to me was the business class London City to JFK route that BA did…it’s *so sad* that such a unique route was lost to Covid, etc.

[@Notamusician2k]

And the A318s

[@lucbaeten3344]

Flew quite a few times at the very beginning of the airport operations ( BAE 146 and, I think, dash-7 ). What stroke me, at the time, were the strong lateral winds and the associated crab-like approach, when the runway could be seen through the side windows until a last-second swerve just before touch-down

[@yannickbroos5283]

I was so excited for the views of London, but it was so incredibly cloudy, I couldn’t see a thing. The only airport where on landing the plane hits the brakes so hard you get thrown into the seatbelt. Also running on full power whilst on the brakes for maximum take off speed, quite fun to be honest.

[@christopherhood9241]

love lcy airport. a sense of adventure when landing/taking off.

[@luigiguadalupi9624]

i flew there from Milan in Alitalia, the view of the city was amazing!

[@TonyEbikemeJr]

One of my favourite airports.

[@aviationcinematics2024]

At LCY, the Embraer 190-E2 and Embraer 195-E2 are both certified to operate at London City.

[@SebMcayon]

Haven't flown to LCY yet, but I definitely will next time I go to London.

[@McFlorry2]

LCY is so convenient to fly into and out of. The direct BA flights from Düsseldorf make going to London very convenient if train fares are way too high. And the Airport is quite efficient because of its small size.

[@jamesbartlett5640]

The EMB 195-E2 is cleared to land at LCY now, making it the biggest aircraft to fly from London City.

[@hsinghk7290]

i freaked out a abit when flying out of LCY as wasn't expecting such a quick take off glad to see this was planned/normal, didnt feel much different landing though :)

[@IanSHarrison]

Flew into London City back in the late 80s before expansion. Travelled on a Dash 7 aircraft (not list) and the steep approach from east was interesting.

[@NLaertes]

I had fond memories with the Avrojet from AMS to LCY

[@zork999]

I flew from LCY for the first time on Monday. Nice little airport. Easy to get through security. Easy to get to. Far better than Heathrow. It can be hard to find a seat at times and the lack of a lounge is strange for a business oriented airport. Strangely, it was VERY difficult to find vegetarian food for breakfast. Maybe everything was just picked over and I had bad luck. The takeoff was very short and steep but that was fine. Easy connection in AMS with a bus to the non-Schengen area and right into the main transfer hall.

[@marsgal42]

Only ever been there once. Flew in from Brussels, flew to Orly the next morning. My Beechcraft could fly there easily but ticks a few too many NO boxes (single engine, single pilot).

[@ebarteldes]

Do a video on Santos Dumont airport - it has one of the shortest runways in the world, and Boeing had a different model of the 737 built specifically for that runway

[@devon896]

The Dash 8-300 is also certified to use LCA, Air Southwest used to serve there all the time.

[@hjrings9423]

Did fly to LCY regular in the end of the 90‘s on VLM Fokker50 from MGL (Mönchengladbach). Remember once that short before touch down there was a heavy wind pressing the plane downwards. My seat neighbour jumped up and grapped the seat in front of him 😂 but everything was fine

[@Avgeek1564]

I flew in and out with Flybe on their Dash 8, because it's a turbo prop I didn't really notice a higher rate of climb. I'm sure it's more noticeable in a jet!

[@mambo4you]

sweet little airport, usually worth extra price over Heathrow if bought in advance.

[@ncubesays]

Super convenient. From plane seat in the Docklands to my office desk chair in the West End in 45 mins. No airport can beat that.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Fascinating video. Maybe Air Baltic can take advantage with a premium A220 flying in 🤔

[@ormuzoryon]

airBaltic only operates the A220-300 which is not certified to land at LCY, it's too large an aircraft and would require modifications. The A220-100 IS certified for this airport and Swiss flies this variant in all frequencies from the airport

[@lekso]

You should do a similar video on DCA

[@hoof2001]

Interestingly, my one and only emergency landing on many I have taken ever was at LCY when the undercarriage refused to retract. FlyBaboo flight to Geneva. Was back in departures for a pint to steady the nerves by 8am and a visit to duty free before heading home. Recall an agricultural tractor towing us off the runway. Great airport though

[@gnhansen29]

LCY is a great concept IMHO.

[@roryburr8834]

Uses city loads in and outbound. Wish it did more places and on Saturdays but understand its small and the noise issues

[@craigbeatty8565]

Amazing. A-320 and B-737 should be allowed too.

[@dayrelgates8628]

We missed the connection from our transatlantic flight to a flight to Glasgow, so BA put us on a LCY-GLA later that afternoon. (Enjoyed my first ride on the Elizabeth Line to get from LHR to LCY!) As I looked out the window whilst on taxi I wondered what all the buildings were along the side of the runways and taxiways. Their window patterns made them look like residential blocks, but that's a heckuva place to have to live. Does anyone know what those were?

[@arlo0011]

With such a tight space to deal with, why no helicopters or other VTOL type aircraft? Is it the noise level?

[@bayestraat]

I love this airport because its quick and easy. Immigration here is a breeze compared to LHR. Every-time I visit london I'd fly in and out of LCY though I have a fear of flying especially with the rough takeoffs and the sudden pitchups with the e190s.

[@NoGoodHandlesComingToMind]

Thanks for posting! What is argonf?

[@ruiribeiro1203]

one of the most beautiful airports in the world

[@dalecooper9942]

What happened to flight BA 1, from LCY to New York City with a stop in Ireland operated by a A319 ?

[@ronaldcuieii8639]

Oh yeah!! I forgot about the A318. Does Airbus still produce this aircraft? Haven't heard of a A318neo. Still an excellent aircraft.

[@runarandersen878]

I wish I could experience this.

[@sdwelham]

Flew from there some year ago to Amsterdam on a 146……..got there around 6am and it was like a ghost town, 7am people and planes turn up together…….. Quick turnaround………all planes out,airport quite again lol

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

Do aircraft *always* land from the west? I would love to experience a landing at LCY, specifically for that amazing approach, and would be prepared to pay extra just that one time. However I'd think twice if there's the prospect of an approach from the east.

[@monkyofwar669]

It’s the all digital atc tower for me

[@ilsisone2502]

i never flied to LCY, but i stayed 2 weeks in the university that is in front of it.

[@sagarnaik9265]

I think CityJet operated SSJ100 Sukhoi SupeJet from LCY

[@jamesk1991]

Just to note that LCY isn’t in Docklands, the area of the Docklands is on the Isle Of Dogs and LCY is in Beckton.

[@themomentchannel3498]

london city airport aka the kai tak of europe

[@heidirabenau511]

Avro RJ Swiss hard landing meme!

[@williammarques7577]

If this airport was in Brazil we would still operate it with 737's and A320's.

[@Mabstube]

The best part is when they taxi to the gate and all the aircraft have to to 180 turn.

[@RamTransport]

Shame the ba a318 don't fly anymore. Hopefully in the future a new aircraft like the a220 will be put on the route but only time can tell.

[@whispie.]

I don't really understand why helicopters are not allowed..

[@QPRTokyo]

Not everyone flying to Gatwick wants to go to London. When I use to live in Eastbourne it was my favourite airport. Not going anywhere near London was a bonus.

[@user-ou8ze8ub5w]

Pondicherry airport runway is just 1500 metres. I happen to see this good clip from you very informative. Promising Airbus and Embraer jets. (Pondicherry airport, India. IATA: PNY) Dr. Rasheed Khan India.

[@template16]

There’s also the matter of a remote control tower

[@lucanoquelfarabuttomane4013]

I am pretty sure that smaller 737s like the -500/600/700 would likely operate from that runway, but I think they are too noisy

[@fkdyr]

why not the e175?

[@SXM06100]

I wonder if Airbus will modifie the a220-300 to fit the airport as well, BA cityflyer could be interested 🧐

[@user-ou8ze8ub5w]

Can Sukhoi Superjet 100, Antonov 140, AN 158 operate in London City Airport ?

[@dylanshaffer2184]

I’m curious, could the A220-100 fly to JFK from LYC?

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

How close is the next major airport? Is this one really necessary.

[@ey7290]

1) Heathrow 2) Absolutely, the airport serves the Financial District as well as The City of London (The borough specifically) 90% of the flights are to important business and financial hubs around Europe, and prior to COVID BA did a flight from London City to New York JFK with a stopover in Shannon, Ireland on an a318. It only takes 30 minutes on the DLR to go from Bank station to the airport, compared to 1hr to go from Bank to Heathrow

[@fernandoferre1684]

I used to live in Canary Whorf and used this airport as much I could on my travels.

[@PasleyAviationPhotography]

@@fernandoferre1684 I have no idea where that is

[@fernandoferre1684]

@@PasleyAviationPhotography it is East London, minutes away from City Airport

[@richardgelber2740]

@@ey7290 I took the former BA flights 1,2,3 and 4 at least twice. Quite an experience. The A318s were configured for business class only, about 36 seats as I recall. The flight could make it all the way from JFK to LCY almost every day due to tailwinds; the Westbound flight always took off with low fuel because the runway is too short to allow full fuel due to weight. So therefore the stop at SNN, which also provided for US pre-clearance while fueling, which Shannon was already set-up for.

[@serkandevel7828]

With swiss001, some slightly larger planes can land there

[@salaciouscrumb555]

So if it was an absolute desperate situation, could a 747 land here.

[@malvinuku7878]

I’m surprised the 737 max 7 isn’t certified to fly in

[@ryeb_]

I don't see the point of this Airport. However, it is a cool airport!

[@williamcox2479]

It’s for business people who need to go abroad for work. It’s right in the financial district of London so yeah

[@heidirabenau511]

Handy for business travelers who need to arrive in the business centre of London

[@BestOfAviation]

Hello UR-100N

[@ryeb_]

@@williamcox2479 ahhhhh I see

[@ryeb_]

@@BestOfAviation lol

[@ReynoldJoseph-me8uj]

I will push for evtol aircraft approval application's

[@hanj31]

Can a B717 land at LCY?

[@jeroenstalman3668]

I flew from Dusseldorf to City this summer with ba.the flight path over the city is one of the nicest I've experienced. the location of the airport makes no sense but it is nice

[@Avgeek1564]

It makes sense because of its proximity to the city of London.

[@marcelwiszowaty1751]

Canary Wharf as well of course!

[@Jetmets_951]

Second

[@skylineXpert]

Jumbolino doing limbo

[@frankh.2669]

Count me in among those whose favourite airport in London this is.

[@dg_dotnet9616]

737-700 is also capable to land here

[@jamesbartlett5640]

Don’t think it is, otherwise would’ve happened by now.

[@savagekingtexas_3990]

I'll just land at London Stanstead instead when I fly from Manchester whenever I get a Cessna

[@212MPH]

They always open up the throttles whilst holding the brakes on as they take off. Great airport.

[@Serbiaige]

Hello

[@neuralwarp]

Sorry : if they want to occupy public aerospace, they must open themselves for use by all air traffic. Otherwise close and vacate the air.

[@johnsmith-rs2vk]

747 - 800 ?

[@gnhansen29]

Wouldn't helicopters be an advantage for LCY.

[@StopaclotionA320]

I love this airport, but I don't understand why the A319 can't land there.