London City Airport Guide

London City Airport is a prominent airport situated just 6 miles east of Central London. Catering primarily to business travellers, the airport serves around 5 million passengers annually. Its single terminal means travelling through the airport can be more efficient compared to other airports in London. It is equipped with dining options, retail stores, and business services, ensuring a smooth travel experience. The airport’s proximity to London’s financial district makes it a preferred choice for quick and convenient access to the city.

Addison Lee’s London City Airport Transfer service gives you the option to choose executive travel options when making your way to and from the airport.

Key Time Requirements

To help ensure a smooth journey through London City Airport and arrival at your gate on time, we’ve pulled together some recommendations of timings below:

• Arrival at the Airport:
  As a rule of thumb, you should not arrive earlier than 2 hours before your flight. London City is a compact airport designed for quick processing, and early arrival may lead to unnecessary waiting.

• Bag Drop (if checked in online):
  The recommended time to drop off your baggage is no later than 30 minutes before your flight departs.

• Check-In Closure:
  According to London City Airport, all check-in desks close 30 minutes before departure.

• Security Clearance:
  Airlines such as British Airways recommend passing through security at least 20 minutes before your flight departs.

• Gate Information:

Your departure gate will be displayed on information screens around 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.

• Boarding Gate:
  Boarding closes promptly and late arrivals may not be admitted so it is advised to check with your chosen airline what time to arrive at your gate. London City Airport do not make announcements to call passengers to boarding gates.

Departure Information

Check-In

The fastest way to check in is online, each airline will have set opening times with some airlines opening online check in up to 48 hours before a scheduled time of departure.

If you need to check in at the airport:

• Check in desks will open 2 hours before your flight. London City Airport recommend not arriving more than 2 hours before your flight – your baggage will not be accepted earlier than that.

• There are self-service check-in kiosks outside the airport entrance by the DLR station. If you are flying with LOT Polish Airlines, you can get bag tags here too.

Bag Drop

If you’re checking in baggage:

• Ensure you have your boarding pass printed or ready on an app.

• A host will direct you to the appropriate bag drop area.

For flights departing before 10am – British Airways, KLM and Luxair offer an overnight baggage check-in where you can check your bags in the night before. Times will differ between each airline so it is advised to check this before the day of your flight.

Security Screening

You can leave liquids and electronics in your hand baggage during security checks.
This includes:

• Liquids and gels in containers up to 100ml (3.4 oz)

• Laptops and tablets

Boarding

After passing through security:

• Gates 2b to 14 are located on the West Pier

• Gates 21 – 24 are located on the East Pier

• Check airport information screens for your gate and walking time.

• Some airlines can send gate updates to your phone when you download their app.

• You must be at your gate at least 15 minutes before departure.