London City International Airport
Address: Hartmann Rd, Royal Docks, London E16 2PX, United Kingdom
Departments: London City Airport Private Jet Center
Airport code: LCY
Elevation: 6 m
Phone number: +44 20 7646 0000
Opened: 1987
Aircraft movements: 80,751
Passengers: 5 million pre-pandemic
LCY Departures today
Discover London City International Airport departures
London City Airport is the UK’s most business airport, serving over 40 destinations in the UK, Europe, and the United States and connecting to the rest of the world through large European hubs. It is the only airport in London itself, is less than a mile from ExCeL London, a world-class events venue; three miles from Canary Wharf; and six miles from the City of London. Therefor it’s an interesting airport for London City departures.
The first London City airport departures took place in 1987. So it is not yet an old airport compared to many others. It started with 133 thousand passengers in one year, but the numbers quickly increased and it transported 1.5 million passengers in 2000. With the addition of a train connection and some expansions to the terminal, it grew rapidly. There were even Transatlantic flights to JFK with British Airways. Ultimately, there were 5 million passengers in 2019 and only 1 million in 2020.
Some of the popular destinations are:
Most flights are operated by:
- British Airways
- Swiss
- LOT
- Lufthansa
- Luxair
- KLM
- Loganair airlines
London City Airport Terminal
Checking-in
At London City Airport, there are three options for checking in, both of which become available two hours before your scheduled London City flight departures time. On the second floor of the Main Terminal block, there are all check-in desks and self-service kiosks, or you can use the online check-in system on the airline’s website.
Check-in desks
If you want to check-in at the airport, keep in mind that the check-in desks open two hours before your LCY airport departures time. You will not be able to check in until this time. Passengers can check with their airline for the most up-to-date check-in times.
Self-service check-in
Passengers on all LCY airlines can use the self-service devices near the London City Airport Docklands Light Railway station outside the airport entrance.
Passengers on LOT Polish Airlines will even get their luggage tags from these units.
Self-service check-in and bag drop
Our Express Bag Drop area, situated in the center of the main terminal building, is available for London City airport departures to Aer Lingus, Flybe, Lufthansa, Swiss, and TAP passengers. British Airways has a self-service bag tag area to the right, just after the main terminal building entrance. Passengers will then continue to the bag drop at one of the specified bag-drop desks after marking their bags. It takes less than 60 seconds to complete the operation.
Online check-in
Most of our airlines now offer online check-in, so you can save time and carry your printed boarding pass with you on LCY departures day. Any airlines also provide mobile boarding, which allows you to board with your phone.
Security and baggage rules
Passengers are processed as soon as possible at London City Airport. Passengers can provide extra time for security processing, particularly during peak hours. Baggage policies differ depending on the airline and the form of ticket bought. Before London City departures, double-check the airline’s baggage policies.
- Both checked luggage will be X-rayed.
- Coins, buttons, watches, and other small things should be kept in your coat or handbag. Fill a tray with your carry-on luggage and hat.
- Pushchairs will be searched by hand, and walking aids will be X-rayed.
- Wheelchairs will be searched carefully.
Immigration and border control lane
Lane 1
You can use the electronic e-passport gates instead of traditional passport checks for European chipped-passport holders. The computer checks your e-passport at the barrier, compares your face to the chip in your passport, and then immediately unlocks the gate if you can join the UK.
Lane 2
This manned lane is for citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland.
Lane 3
All other nationalities can use this manned road. Passengers who use this lane must fill out a landing card.
Ground transportation City Airport
- Parking: there is really only 1 possibility to park and that is on the official on-site parking. This is just a few minutes walk from the terminal. Park for £3.80 if you want to stop by the Pick-up Zone. You can wait up to 10 minutes for this, otherwise it will quickly add up.
- Car hire: rent a car if you want a lot of flexibility when traveling. There are some big agencies like Europcar, Hertz, and Avis that offer cars. Both the pick-up and the drop-off are 100-200 meters from the terminal.
- Train: travel on the Docklands Light Railway (DLR). This connects the east of the city with London’s underground system. There is a departure from the airport around 8-15 minutes. Within 10 minutes you are already at Woolwich Arsenal or also Canning Town. It’s a little further to Stratford. You can easily travel with the oyster card.
Oyster Card: you can use this card for all types of public transport. For example, start with the DLR and continue with the underground transport. Buses and the suburban rail are also possible. It also offers the cheapest overall price.
Hotels
If you want to stay close to the airport, tet London City Airport Hotel is the most obvious choice. Other good options near London City Airport include:
- Premier Inn London Docklands (Excel) hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL
- Moxy London Excel
- Travelodge London Excel
- Crowne Plaza London Docklands, an IHG Hotel
- Good Hotel London