How fast is security at London City Airport?

London City has taken the crown as the UK's best airport for security waiting times, according to new research. A survey published today by consumer champion Which? showed that the Newham airport had an average queuing time at security of 12 minutes – well below fellow London airports such as Gatwick or Heathrow.



London City Airport (LCY) is widely recognized as having one of the fastest security processes in the United Kingdom, largely thanks to the full implementation of advanced CT (Computed Tomography) scanners. These high-speed scanners allow passengers to leave liquids (up to 2 liters) and large electronics like laptops inside their bags, which has reduced the average security wait time to approximately 3 to 4 minutes. In 2026, the airport continues to market its "20-minute" promise, aiming for passengers to go from the front door to the departure lounge in under 20 minutes total. Because LCY caters primarily to business travelers and has a smaller physical footprint than Heathrow or Gatwick, the lines are typically much shorter and move 30% faster than they did before the scanner upgrades. This efficiency makes it a top choice for travelers who want to minimize their time spent in the terminal before boarding.

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There is only one terminal at London City airport so travelling through the airport can often be quicker than at other London airports. Check in opens 2 hours before your flight. Please do not arrive earlier than 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.

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London City had over 4.5 million passenger movements in 2017. It is the fifth-busiest airport by passengers and aircraft movements serving the London area — after Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton — and was the 14th-busiest in the UK in 2017. In 2019, the airport handled over 5 million passengers.

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There is only one terminal at London City airport so travelling through the airport can often be quicker than at other London airports. Check in opens 2 hours before your flight. Please do not arrive earlier than 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.

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London City Airport was ranked best by the study, with the average queue lasting just 12 minutes. Half of travellers reported waiting between five and 10 minutes. It was also the only London airport where customers did not suffer any waits of more than an hour.

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Because of space limitations and just one, very short runway, large aircraft is not permitted to use the airport, which limits long-haul flight availability. The lack of space also means that London City Airport operates out of a relatively small terminal building.

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London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to central London, and it's easily accessible by Tube, bus or taxi. Because it's a smaller airport, arrivals and departures at LCY can be much quicker and easier than larger airports in London.

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Major airports in London. In 2022, four of the airports in London served more than 10 million passengers: London-Heathrow, London-Gatwick, London-Stansted and London-Luton. While much smaller than the others, London-City is also worth mentioning as it's perhaps the most convenient London airport.

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For domestic flights in the United States, most airlines recommend that passengers arrive at the airport at least 1-2 hours before the scheduled departure time for check-in and security screening.

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A Visitor Oyster card can be delivered to your home before your visit, or Oyster cards can be purchased at all London airports and stations. Visitor Oyster card holders also enjoy a range of special offers and discounts across the city.

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Facilities at London City Airport (LCY) Free wi-fi for all passengers using the airport. Travelex currency exchange facilities. Cafes on the terminal concourse for pre-security snacks and a choice of pub food, gourmet sandwiches, American meals or baked goods when you head through the gates.

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London's Gatwick is the worst offender for delays and cancellations.

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London City Airport (LCY) London City is the least busy of London's airports. It primarily serves business travellers as the airport operates only short-haul flights throughout the UK and Europe and is within close proximity to Canary Wharf.

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Yes, it's safe but spending the night in the London City Airport is not possible due to its limited operating hours as the airport mostly shuts by 10:00 pm (1 pm on Saturdays). If you want to stay near the airport to catch an early or late night flight and don't want your sleep at stake, hotels are nearby.

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Aircraft Noise Pollution At City airport, more than 330,000 people are overflown by arrivals and 400,000+ by departures – all flying at a range of 4,000 feet or less. Noise readings of 70-75dB have been recorded outside houses on City airport's pre-landing approach (more than 6km out).

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You may be surprised to learn that British Airways does not have a lounge for passengers departing from London City Airport, unless they are travelling on BA1 to New York. In fact, there are not even any third-party lounges in the terminal.

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