London City Airport year could be absorbed by other airports which are currently under capacity. However, this plan was proposed when London City Airport was for sale. In February 2016 the airport was bought by a Canadian-led consortium, making redevelopment less likely. Additionally, the political weight behind air space in the south east would make it less likely still, with the government having approved the controversial expansion of Heathrow Airport, including the third runway. Owing to its proximity to London's Docklands and financial district its main users are business travellers, but the number of leisure destinations served (like Palma de Mallorca, Malaga or
London City Airport Airport DLR station opened on a branch of the Docklands Light Railway, providing rail access to the airport for the first time, and providing fast rail links to Canary Wharf and the City of London. By 2006, more than 2.3 million passengers used London City Airport. In October 2006 the airport was purchased from Dermot Desmond by a consortium comprising insurer AIG Financial Products Corp. and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). In the final quarter of 2008 GIP increased its stake in the airport to 75%, the remaining 25% belonging to Highstar Capital. London City Airport was granted planning permission to