International flights have resumed today from London’s most central airport, as the Government’s ‘Travel Corridors’ policy comes into effect.
The return of flights to popular European holiday destinations from London City Airport has been met with massive demand from travellers. Bookings for the flights operated by British Airways’ subsidiary BA CityFlyer have exceeded expectations, with passengers eager to take advantage of the safe travel conditions and new rules to have a well-deserved holiday.
The strong demand underlines and affirms the findings of a recent survey of over 4,700 of the airport’s customers. Last month, 79% of City flyers said they were likely to travel when they are told it is safe to do so by the Government and airports or airlines. With the Government’s travel corridors policy and comprehensive safety measures at the airport both in place, people have felt confident to book flights and travel.
London City Airport’s Chief Commercial Officer, Richard Hill, said:
_“Today marks the start of the summer getaway season, and it’s clear that customers value the safe, careful and speedy environment that we’ve created.
“I’m also delighted to see BA CityFlyer back operating from their home airport. Our partnership has been tremendously successful in the past and I am confident that it will be again, especially with more leisure routes like Nice, Mahon, Faro and Bergerac to follow, as well more daily rotations to Malaga, Ibiza and Palma.
“Looking ahead, I anticipate we’ll see more of our airline partners re-starting services in the coming weeks, encouraged by the demand we’re experiencing in the London market.”_
BA CityFlyer today resumed flying to Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Málaga and Florence. These initially daily flights will be joined from Monday 13th July by daily KLM flights to Amsterdam and Luxair flights to Luxembourg.
From Saturday 1st August, BA CityFlyer will add flights from London City Airport to other popular European destinations: Nice, Mahon, Faro and Bergerac.
Safe, Careful, Speedy Journeys
London City Airport temporarily suspended flights for nearly three months between 25th March and 21st June, in response to the escalating public health crisis and government lockdown measures. During that period, the airport worked behind the scenes to create a safe environment for passengers and staff.
Designed following expert advice to meet official guidance and best practice standards, measures put in place include rapid contact-free temperature checking technology, crowd monitoring technology, an enhanced cleaning regime using an anti-microbial surface treatment, and social distancing procedures such as one-way systems and Perspex screens. Passengers will also be asked to wear face coverings in the airport.
Despite additional safety measures, the uniquely important aspects of the customer experience at London City have not changed. Speed and convenience has been a key consideration, meaning the airport is still be able offer the fastest experience in London.
Ends.
Notes
BA CityFlyer European flights resuming today (Friday 10/07):
06:50 – BA8483, Palma de Mallorca (PMI)
07:15 – BA8463, Ibiza (IBZ)
08:35 – BA8487, Málaga–Costa del Sol (AGP)
09:25 – BA3279, Florence Peretola (FLR)
Photography of these flights will be available in the afternoon, on Friday 10th July.
In mid-July, BA CityFlyer will also recommence important domestic flights to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dublin – restoring vital Anglo-Irish connections with the capital. The airline currently has a service to the Isle of Man, operated by Loganair.
On Monday 6th July the airport started two brand new routes, creating crucial connections with the capital for Dundee and Teesside, operated by Loganair and Eastern Airways respectively.
Concessions currently open in the airport are: Café Nero, WHSmith and Boots. Retail, food and beverage concessions are reopening in line with passenger numbers.
A recent survey of over 4,700 London City Airport passengers found strong demand to get back to flying quickly:
79% were either very likely or quite likely to travel when they are told it is safe to do so by the Government and airports or airlines
42% plan to travel for leisure within the next three months
41% anticipate they will take a flight for business within the next three months - contradicting claims that business travel is over
More here:https://media.londoncityairport.com/restart-strong-customer-demand/
A range of measures have been put in place at the airport to create a safe and convenient environment for passengers and staff, including:
An enhanced cleaning regime, including a long-life anti-microbial surface treatment used throughout the airport
Touch-free hand sanitiser stations
One-way systems
Perspex screens at key points of interaction, such as check-in desks
Clear signage and floor markings to help maintain social distancing and guide you through the airport
Advance crowd monitoring technology to identify and manage busy areas, using CrowdVision
Non-contact, automatic temperature checking technology for rapid preliminary screening
Staff using face masks or visors and gloves
Photography for these measures is available here:https://media.londoncityairport.com/covid-secure/
More information is available here:https://www.londoncityairport.com/safe-careful-speedy-journeys
During the suspension, the aerodrome was made available to government agencies and the military to support the national effort to manage the pandemic. The airport also made a special donation of £50,000 from its Community Fund to nine East London foodbanks, to help their essential work during the crisis.