Chief executive Robert Sinclair says the airport will look to lift existing caps on its operation “in the next three to four years”, the Press Association reports.

Sinclair said the airport could play an increasingly important role providing new runway capacity in the south east with Heathrow expansion likely a decade away.

“We will be considering the potential options, which could include raising the caps,” Sinclair told PA, although any increase at the Docklands airport would have to get through Newham Council.

London City is currently limited to 6.5 million passengers and 111,000 flights a year. However, annual passenger numbers have risen 50% since 2012.

Campaigners have vowed to oppose any expansion at London City due to noise and air pollution.
A near £500 million expansion operation is already under way at London City to create eight new aircraft stands, a new digital ATC tower and extended terminal.