Can London’s mayor break the airport expansion logjam?

Who says the Brits can’t make a decision on airport expansion? London’s new mayor, Sadiq Khan, who took office in May, has dropped his predecessor’s objections and approved the expansion of London City Airport. The airport has been granted planning permission for its $451.3 million expansion, allowing it to increase passenger traffic from 4.3 million to 6.5 million by 2025.

While this project does not involve cargo, it could have an effect on the years-long, deadlocked debate about whether to expand cargo and passenger capacity at either London Heathrow or Gatwick airports – both much larger airfreight hubs in the U.K. market. It could also signal a shift in government sentiment, which has historically been unwilling to take on strong private opposition to expansions at London airports.

The UK pilots’ union (BALPA) welcomed the news, but took the opportunity to stress that expansion at Heathrow and Gatwick was the next step. “The time for dithering ended a long time ago,” the union said. The London Chamber of Commerce (LCCI) held much the same position, calling the developments “positive news,” however they, too, argued that a decision about Heathrow should be made soon.

The plans for London City Airport, meanwhile, include an extended terminal, a new aircraft taxiway, seven new aircraft stands and improvements to public transport links, which the BBC reported will create more than 2,000 jobs.

“The airport can add approximately a further 32,000 flights by 2025, movements which are already permitted, helping to unlock more air capacity within London’s airport system in advance of a new runway for the South East of England,” London City announced.

The latest London City move, however, is contentious, with Green Party London assembly member Caroline Russell calling the decision “terrible” and “reckless.”