โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
London City Airport (LCY) operates through a single modern terminal building strategically located in the Royal Docks Borough of Newham, approximately six miles east of the City of London and three miles east of Canary Wharf, designed specifically to serve London's financial district and business community. The compact terminal features 14 gates within a streamlined layout that eliminates the need for shuttle buses or trains, with all facilities accessible within short walking distances and divided into three efficient zones: check-in area, departures lounge, and arrivals area. The facility's design emphasizes convenience for business travelers, featuring a range of shops, restaurants, and lounges appropriate for the airport's role as London's premier business aviation hub.
Major airlines operating from EGLC include British Airways (the airport's primary operator), KLM, Lufthansa, and Swiss International Air Lines, with BA CityFlyer operating Embraer E-190 aircraft on European routes and specialized services to ski resort destinations during winter months. The airport's unique operational constraints, including a 1,508-meter runway and steep 5.5ยฐ glideslope requirements, restrict operations to specially certified multi-engine aircraft up to Airbus A318 size with crew certifications for steep approach operations. Popular destinations from LCY include Amsterdam, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, and Zurich, serving primarily business travelers accessing Europe's financial centers.
London City Airport serves as a crucial business aviation gateway, featuring a corporate terminal opened in 2002 with the London City Private Jet Centre FBO providing specialized services for executive and corporate jets. The airport's proximity to London's Docklands financial district makes it the preferred choice for business travelers, particularly those traveling to destinations like Luxembourg, Frankfurt, and other European financial centers. Ground transportation from the terminal includes the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) providing rapid connections to Central London and Canary Wharf, plus road access via the A1020, creating seamless connectivity between international business destinations and London's financial centers.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through London City Airport (LCY) is an exceptionally fast and efficient experience due to its compact, single-terminal design and focus on business travel. You will usually pass through immigration, collect your bags (if not checked through), clear customs, and then head to the first-floor departure area to re-clear security. Use a contactless credit card or Oyster card for the best fares. You must monitor the flight information screens constantly; gates are typically announced only 20 minutes before departure.
For international-to-international or international-to-domestic transfers, a connection time of 45 to 60 minutes is typically sufficientโthe fastest among Londonโs hubs. Thanks to advanced CT scanners, security wait times are often under ten minutes, and you generally do not need to remove liquids or electronics from your bag.
Ground transportation to central London is dominated by the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), which is integrated into the terminal. Official taxis are available curbside, with a ride to the City typically costing ยฃ30 to ยฃ40. Due to the short 1,508-meter runway and steep 5.5-degree approach over the Thames, LCY is served only by specialized STOL-capable aircraft like the Embraer E190 and Airbus A220-100.
However, because the terminal is small, there is no dedicated airside transit corridor for many flights. Trains depart every 7 to 10 minutes, reaching Canary Wharf in 15 minutes and the City (Bank Station) in 22 minutes. A critical tip for LCY: the airport operates a 'Silent Airport' policy, meaning there are no overhead announcements for boarding or gate changes. Arriving at the airport 60 to 90 minutes before your flight is standard, but check-in for those with hand luggage only can often be done as late as 20 to 30 minutes before departure.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Leuchars Station Airfield (ADX), with ICAO code EGQL, located in Leuchars, Fife, on the east coast of Scotland, is primarily a British Army installation, known as Leuchars Station. It serves military operations, including acting as a diversion airfield for military aircraft from RAF Lossiemouth. While the airfield is fully operational 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it does not operate as a public commercial passenger airport.
As a military airfield, Leuchars does not have typical civilian terminal facilities. Any terminal areas are rudimentary and are not designed for general public access. Passenger amenities are extremely limited, with accommodation available only for service personnel. The layout is highly controlled and security-focused, with operations geared towards efficient, secure movements for authorized military personnel, VIPs, or specific charters.
Security procedures at ADX are exceptionally stringent, reflecting its critical military role. All personnel and baggage undergo thorough screening protocols that are far more extensive than typical commercial airport procedures. Access to the base and any terminal area is highly restricted, requiring proper authorization and identification. For any international flights (which are highly specialized and not public commercial), immigration and customs facilities would be handled discreetly and efficiently for authorized personnel within the secure environment of the base. There are no public immigration or customs services in the traditional commercial sense.
๐ Connection Tips
Leuchars Station Airfield is an operational military aerodrome rather than a public airline airport, so most travelers should not think of it as a place for normal commercial connections. RAF information for Leuchars makes clear that the station remains active year-round, with flying routinely Monday to Friday and additional activity approved as required. The same official guidance says all airfield users, military and civilian, must be familiar with the Defence Aerodrome Manual before operating there.
That matters because authorized civilian access is procedural rather than casual. Existing local guidance for ADX emphasizes prior coordination, and the aerodrome sits within a military environment where security, handling, and operating hours are controlled. There is no official viewing area, drone use is tightly restricted within the flight restriction zone, and the station's contact structure is built around operational approval rather than walk-up passenger service. In short, if your itinerary depends on ADX, it should already be a managed military, training, or approved civilian movement before the day of travel.
For ordinary trips to St Andrews, Dundee, or the east of Scotland, Edinburgh and other public airports remain the practical connection points. If you are one of the few users cleared for Leuchars, confirm your permissions, timings, and handling arrangements well in advance and keep in mind that flying outside standard weekday windows must be approved beforehand. The main risk at ADX is not finding your gate; it is assuming public-airport flexibility at a controlled military field that does not operate that way.
โ Back to London City Airport