Airspace Change Process

Why are we doing this?

The current airspace design at LCY is characterised by steep Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach and departure procedures due to its urban location, its proximity to restricted airspace and to London Heathrow Airport.

Aircraft currently operate using a 5.5 degree approach angle, or glide slope. This is significantly steeper than the standard 3 degree approaches at most airports, due to the obstacle-rich environment and tall buildings particularity to the west of the airport. Aircraft operators are therefore required to have special steep-approach certifications , constraining access to a wider range of modern aircraft.

The objective of this ACP is to introduce RNP-AR approach procedures. These use an even higher standard of satellite-based navigational accuracy than the current procedures. This means less stringent obstacle clearance requirements, so that a shallower approach can be introduced for authorised aircraft while still maintaining safe distances above obstacles.

These approach paths will closely match the current tracks over the ground flown by our arrivals. They would allow for standard approach angles below 5.5 degrees to be used, which do not require steep-approach certifications. This will enable the introduction of cleaner, quieter, new-generation aircraft at the airport, with a shallower descent profile on final approach.

We expect the Airbus A320neo to be the main user of these additional instrument flight procedures (IFPs). It is of similar length and wingspan as the Embraer E195-E2s which use LCY daily, however it has a wider fuselage and can carry more passengers.

The Airspace Change Process

The ACP process is managed and overseen by the CAA. Any permanent change to UK airspace needs to go through the same basic process, regardless of the extent of the scale.

We are currently at Stage 3 of the Airspace Change Process, which focuses on consultation and engagement.

A key element of Stage 3 is stakeholder engagement. London City Airport believes the success of this airspace change process depends on early and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, maintaining transparency, and keeping stakeholders informed throughout the consultation process.

During Stage 3, we consult on our proposed airspace design, including a complete quantitative our airspace environmental assessment of the proposal. These materials are available as part of the consultation from 2nd March - 17th May 2026 (see consultation portal link), providing stakeholders with members of the public with the opportunity to review the proposal and provide feedback.

Following the consultation, and subject to the feedback received, we will submit our formal Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) to the CAA for consideration. Further details on previous stages of the Airspace Change Process (CAP1616) are available on our website, where progress on this proposal and all current and previous documentation can also be found here.

Follow our progress at www.LondonCityAirport.com/ACP

For more information, contact: LCY-ACP@londoncityairpot.com

We have two permanent exhibition spaces at the airport during the consultation period.

• Located in the main terminal entrance lobby area, easily accessible from the DLR station and taxi drop off area, there is a summary display of our key proposals and QR codes for further information.

• We also have a dedicated consultation room in City Aviation House, E16 2BY, which is located opposite the taxi/uber pick up area.

This is accessible on a pre-book basis only. Please email LCY‑ACP@LondonCityAirport.com if you would like to book a face to face session in our consultation space with a member of the London City ACP team.

If you would like to register to attend one of our upcoming webinars, please email:

LCY-ACP@londoncityairport.com.