London City Airport (LCY) saw more than three million passengers pass through its gates in 2011, latest figures have revealed, as the airport ends the year on a high.

The airport reported a growth in passenger numbers, recording a 7.6 per cent increase for the year when compared to 2010.

The airport is looking forward to building on this further in the coming 12 months, increasing leisure and business traveller passenger numbers, as well as growing the dominant inbound market from European business hubs and New York City.

London City Airport provides a time-saving option for visitors travelling to the capital, as passengers benefit from a transfer time of just ten minutes from plane to surface transport upon arrival.

Direct services to the main Olympic Park, just three miles away from the airport, are available from outside the terminal entrance via the Docklands Light Railway, making London City Airport an especially convenient hub for visitors arriving in 2012.

Richard Gooding, chief executive at London City Airport said: “It’s encouraging to see increasing passenger movements in what has undoubtedly been a challenging period for the travel industry.

“We have invested over £7m in the terminal over the past year, extending the Central Search area, as well as other improvements, to ensure that the airport continues to deliver the time saving proposition promised, even with an increased number of passengers.

“We expect passenger figures to remain strong ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer and look forward to welcoming visitors to the capital from across the globe.”