East London's major airport has lost its bid to extend its operating hours but had its annual passenger cap increased.

London City Airport in the Royal Docks, Newham, had a proposal to increase its annual passenger cap from 6.5 to 9 million approved by the government today (August 19).

It was also agreed that London City Airport would be able to provide three extra flights in the first half hour of operations during the week.

Despite this, the proposal to extend its Saturday afternoon operating hours from 12.30pm to 6.30pm was refused.

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The rejection of this extension bid came after an "extensive" consultation process, the airport said.

London City Airport argued the proposed closing time of 6.30pm would have given more choice and flexibility for passengers.

"London City’s planning application [to extend its hours] included no increase in the permitted number of annual flights or infrastructure," it added.

Alison FitzGerald, the airport's chief executive, said it welcomed the approval of increased passenger numbers but is disappointed at the rejection of the Saturday afternoon flying time.

She said the rejection would “slow down airlines bringing cleaner, quieter next generation aircraft to the airport".

"Local residents would have had the added benefit of these aircraft operating at the airport throughout the week, not just in the extended operating hours," Ms FitzGerald added.

A decision was made by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and by the Secretary of State for Transport.

It comes after a public inquiry concerning the airport's appeal against Newham Council's decision to reject its planning application.

In a decision letter published on the government website, it was written that the secretaries of state felt that there was no "clear" evidence to suggest increased flights on a Saturday afternoon would not have a significant noise impact.

They also believed alternative mitigation measures "would not fully meet the external and environmental costs".

The letter said: "While the removal of the Saturday afternoon curfew and additional morning flights would encourage growth, they are not in themselves vital to unlock the potential for growth."

John Stewart, chair of HACAN East, a campaign group concerned about the airport's impact on people living nearby, welcomed the government's decision.

“This is a big win for residents," Mr Stewart said. "It maintains their weekend break from the noise between 12.30pm on Saturday and 12.30pm on Sunday."