5 Captivating Photos Show London City Airport's Humble Beginnings
By
Abdul Waha
November 30, 2024
This year the London City Airport celebrated its 30th anniversary. The Queen opened the LCA in 1987, the first London airport aiming to serve business travellers. Its routes were limited until the 1980s, but it now covers almost 50 destinations, serving those who come for work or leisure. To celebrate, the LCA has released these 28 magnificent pictures showing the changes its location went through throughout the years.
The Original Land
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @N Chadwick 
This image shows the land where the airport was built before the project's approval. It is a 1981 aerial shot of London's Royal Docks.
The Beginning
People at an airport. Photo Credit: Envato @Image-Source
In its first month, the airport welcomed 8,235 travelers through its doors. The routes were limited to four destinations—a small network compared to today.
Central Airport
London City Airport, one of the airports serving Greater London and one of two international airports serving London which is actually within Greater London, the other being Heathrow. Due to the short length of its only runway, no large aircraft are permi. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Frans Zwart
The London City Airport is the nearest airport to London City Center. It was designed to serve business travellers with a location facilitating their commute.
Limited Routes
PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 13, 2016) An F-35B Lightning II aircraft is secured to the flight deck of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) during flight operations. The F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant is the world’s first supersonic ST. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Official U.S. Navy Page
In 1987, the airport's only destinations were Paris, Plymouth, Brussels and Amsterdam. It served 15,000 travellers in that year.
Original Entrance
Terminal of London City Airport, London, England, United Kingdom. Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons @Arne Müseler
Here we see a picture of the airport's entrance as it was in 1987. It was and still is the only airport located in the capital.
Abdul Waha
I’m Abdul, a passionate writer who loves exploring diverse topics and sharing stories that resonate with readers. I find joy in diving into new subjects, whether it’s uncovering fascinating details, simplifying complex ideas, or crafting engaging narratives. When I'm not writing, I enjoy discovering new experiences that spark my curiosity and inspire my next piece.
