London City Airport has released archive photos to celebrate its 30 year anniversary this year. A few of these are below.
Taken c. mid-20th century, London’s Royal Docks facing west. Maritime traffic in the Royal
Docks reached its peak in the 1950s.
Taken c. 1981, London’s Royal Docks. Containerisation and other technological changes led to the decline of the Docks
Taken c.1982, Brymon Airways Chief Captain Harry Ghee points out the favoured site of London City Airport between
Royal Albert Dock and George V Dock in East London, close to the River Thames.
Taken in 1987, the recently completed airport looking north east © Vic Abbott
c.1992, facing west, a British Aerospace 146 aircraft arrives at London City Airport with a solitary One Canada
Square of the Canary Wharf development in the background © Vic Abbott
27 June 1982, Captain Harry Ghee lands Dash 7 GBRYA City of Plymouth on the 1000m Heron Quays (now part of the Canary Wharf development) to prove the concept of a short take-off and landing airport in London’s Docklands.
c.1988, Eurocity Express flight departs towards the west. The picture is taken looking north, towards Royal Albert Dock and present day site of the University of East London © Vic Abbott
c.1987, inside the air traffic control tower at London City Airport
1987, facing north, the completed passenger terminal positioned south of the runway.
The original check-in area in 1987
1987, fine eighties dining in the airport’s original brasserie
Present day, London City Airport and the City skyline looking west
