Inside London's smallest airport with tiny runway that still services 31 cities

Tucked away in the capital's heart, may be the smallest in , but it still whisks travellers off to 31 locations in Europe and the UK.

Despite its single runway and snug fit amid the city buzz, the Docklands site has been connecting holidaymakers to places like Luxembourg, Amsterdam, and Barcelona since it was first opened in October 1987.

Predominantly serving domestic flights to Edinburgh and Belfast, the airport has experienced a surge in growth since the 2000s - yet typically accommodates only two to three million passengers annually. While you won't see jumbo jets here due to size constraints, London City Airport does offer gateways to Germany, Spain, and France.

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leads the pack of airlines operating from this urban launchpad, with Luxair, Loganair, and Air Dolomiti also featuring on the departure boards. The airport boasts a modest 1.5km-long runway, perfect for the smaller aircraft that grace its tarmac.

According to a TikTok video from @qqnk4, some confuse it for "London's main airport" given its central location, although larger international hubs such as Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted sit further afield.

The TikTok post revealed that London City Airport, with flights to 18 cities in Europe and offering speedy domestic connections, is a hub for business travellers. It boasts easy bus access to Canary Wharf.

A debate sparked among Londoners in the video's comments about which airports are actually in London. One user insisted: "Technically the only airport located in London." Another questioned: "Heathrow also, surely?" The original poster stood firm: "If you're a bit of a pedant like me, it's technically Surrey."

Operating hours for London City Airport are from 4.45am to 10pm on weekdays, with an early close at 1pm on Saturdays and opening times from 11am to 10pm on Sundays.