London City Airport has recently completed a significant upgrade to its departure lounge with the aim of enhancing the overall passenger experience. This upgrade, made possible with the support of SSP, Lagardère Travel Retail, WHSmith, and Boots, has brought about a fresh new look and feel to the lounge area. Among the improvements are two new stylish restaurants, a local independent café & bar, an expanded duty-free section, a flagship WHSmith store, and additional bathrooms.
The seating capacity in the departure lounge has been increased by 30%, providing passengers with more space to relax before their flights. Furthermore, there are now more charging stations available for passengers’ convenience. The new flagship WHSmith store and Aelia Duty Free Store by Lagardère Travel Retail offer an expanded range of products that reflect the essence of London.
In line with its commitment to supporting local businesses, London City Airport has collaborated with partners to showcase east London and British brands. Some of the featured brands include Earl of East, East London Liquor Company, Little Bird London Dry Gin, and the London Honey Company.
One of the highlights of the upgrade is SSP’s new restaurant, Hithes, which combines city pub dining with a modern London brasserie concept. The menu at Hithes caters to a variety of tastes with dishes inspired by different corners of the city. Additionally, a curated drinks menu featuring local brands is available for passengers to enjoy.
London City Airport has also introduced Juniper, a premium bar and restaurant, in collaboration with SSP. Juniper offers locally sourced produce and a selection of fine wines, craft beers, and spirits from the region. The airport’s CEO, Alison FitzGerald, expressed her delight in unveiling the upgraded departure lounge, emphasizing the airport’s commitment to delivering a top-notch passenger experience.
The proximity of London City Airport to various parts of London makes it a convenient choice for travellers. Data shows that over half of Londoners have the airport as their closest option. With quick access from popular areas such as Bank, Stratford, Canary Wharf, and Covent Garden, passengers can reach the airport in a short amount of time.
London City Airport has been recognised for its punctuality and efficiency, being ranked the most punctual airport in London for 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the airport was named London’s Best Airport by Which? and acknowledged in Time Out for its efficiency in the UK.
The recent enhancements at London City Airport are part of the airport’s ongoing efforts to provide an exceptional travel experience for passengers. The combination of new dining options, shopping experiences, and local brand collaborations adds a unique touch to the airport’s offerings, further enhancing the overall journey for travellers.
