London City Airport (LCY) is at a crossroads between ambitious expansion plans and resistance from local lawmakers. While approval to increase annual passenger numbers from six to nine million represents a significant step forward, the airport remains restricted in its operating hours, particularly with regard to the planned expansion of Saturday flights. These developments highlight the ongoing balancing act between economic growth and protecting local residents' interests. On 19 August 2024, London City Airport announced that the annual passenger cap had been raised from six million to nine million. This decision reflects the continued growth potential of the airport, which has established itself as a major hub for business travellers and short-haul flights. The airport, which begins operations as early as 6:30 a.m., was also given permission to handle three additional flights in the first 30 minutes of the day, bringing the total number of flights between 6:30 a.m. and 6:59 a.m. to nine. These expansions are part of a wider plan to gradually increase passenger numbers up to 2031, without increasing the annual maximum number of flights or making significant infrastructural changes. This pragmatic approach emphasises the focus on increasing efficiency and using existing capacity without unduly burdening the immediate area with additional aircraft noise and traffic. Challenge: Limited operating hours on weekends Despite the positive news about the increase in passenger capacity, the airport has had to face a disappointment. The request to extend the closing time on Saturdays from 12:30pm to 18:30pm was rejected. The London Borough of Newham, which is responsible for