The airport is currently consulting on proposals to introduce a shallower landing approach, which would allow aircraft used by airlines such as EasyJet to land there, reports Marco Marcelline

Waltham Forest Council has written to London City Airport about its plans to introduce larger aircraft, warning the move could worsen noise and environmental impacts for residents.

The airport is currently consulting on proposals to introduce a shallower landing approach, which it says would allow larger, more modern aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo to operate from the site. 

However, in a detailed response to the consultation, the council has raised serious concerns about the potential consequences of the change for residents in the borough.

In a letter to London City Airport dated 24th March 2026, council deputy leader and cabinet member for environment, climate and air quality Clyde Loakes said the council “remains seriously concerned about the ongoing expansion”, while highlighting the borough’s particular exposure to aircraft noise.

He said: “Noise from aircraft has a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of residents in Waltham Forest. We are the third most overflown borough in London because of our proximity to flightpaths from London City and Heathrow Airports, and fourth most overflown borough by flights from London City Airport.”

Cllr Loakes warned that while the airport argues larger aircraft could reduce the number of flights, the real-world impacts could be detrimental to residents.

Central to the council’s objection is the proposal to allow aircraft such as the A320neo to use the airport.

The letter states: “By introducing the larger A320Neo there is a risk of…cancelling out the per plane noise reductions that are achievable through like-for-like fleet renewal [of currently permitted planes].”

It adds there could in fact be “increased noise in the short to medium term”.

The letter concluded: “Any changes proposed to Airport activity must include joined up thinking on the proposed flight paths changes and ensure a reduction and not increase in the total emissions from the airport.”

The Newham airport says that larger planes such as the Airbus A320neo would allow it to reach its approved annual passenger cap of nine million with fewer flights than would otherwise be required.

With the new approach, it estimates there would be around 76,500 fewer flights over a twelve‑year period compared with doing nothing.

The airport also says the proposal would reduce overall noise exposure in the long term, with fewer people affected by daytime aircraft noise and around 10,000 fewer people experiencing early‑morning noise during the most sensitive period. It adds that newer aircraft are more fuel‑efficient, resulting in lower carbon emissions per passenger, though it says there would be no change to local air quality.

London City Airport stresses that the majority of flights would continue to use the existing approach and that the maximum difference in aircraft height would be around 300 to 500 feet, depending on runway direction, during the final kilometres before landing.

The consultation forms part of the Civil Aviation Authority’s formal CAP1616 airspace change process. The consultation stage runs from until 17th May 2026, after which responses will be reviewed before a final proposal is submitted to the regulator later this year. If approved, the changes could be implemented from January 2027.

Residents are being invited to take part via an online survey, digital exhibition, webinars and local drop‑in events. Find out more about the consultation and take part here

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