London City Airport had its busiest year in 2016 with 4.5 million passengers

The figure represents the largest number of passengers in the airport's history Credit: PA

Figures released today show London City Airport had its busiest ever year in 2016 with 4.5 million passengers.

It is the largest number of passengers in the airport's 30-year history and represents a 5% increase on the previous year.

Last summer the Government gave the go-ahead for a £344 million expansion programme at the airport.

This will include an extended terminal and more parking spaces for planes, enabling 6.5 million passengers to use the airport each year by 2025.

Ten commercial airlines operate from London City to almost 50 destinations, with the most popular routes including Edinburgh, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.