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The only London airport that's actually in London is turning 30. Sure, you've probably never flown from there, but London City Airport is the only one that can reasonably lay claim to being in London proper. Heathrow may be on the Piccadilly line, but it's got a Twickenham postcode. Gatwick? Closer to Brighton. Luton, Stansted and Southend are so far outside the M25 they might as well be in Scotland.
London City Airport is formally announcing the start of its thirtieth anniversary year this week, as a year of celebration commences ahead of the official anniversary date in November. To mark this, the airport has delved into its archive and dug out 30 images – many dating from the early and mid-1980s with a few extending to the present day, including five images from the personal collection of NATS air traffic controller, Vic Abbott, which have not been published before.
The images offer a fascinating look into London's recent past, and the rapid change that has left the Docklands area unrecognisable in just a generation. Remember when Canary Wharf wasn't stuffed full of huge towers? Us neither.
Here's our pick of the best snaps of London City Airport at 30.
London's Royal Docks: 20th Century
Captain Harry Ghee: 1980s
One Canada Square: 1992
Prince Charles Foundation Stone: 1986
Queen Elizabeth II Opening London City Airport: 1987
London Evening Standard Cartoon: 1987
Completed LCY Terminal: 1987
Check-in area: 1987
Corgis disembarking: 1980s
London City Airport: present day
Ben Walsh
London City Airport: 2025
All photos: London City Airport (unless otherwise stated)
In other news, the City of London is getting superfast free wifi.