Efforts to expand the number of flights from London City Airport have been unanimously rejected by Newham borough councillors due to noise pollution fears.
If successful, the bid would have increased the annual number of passengers at the airport to 9.0mln from 6.5mln.
London City Airport hoped to extend operating hours on Saturdays to allow take-offs and landings until 6.30pm, as well as three additional early morning flights.
For the past decade, flights have not allowed between 12.30pm on Saturday to 12.30pm on Sunday.
The airport argued that extended hours were key in incentivising airlines to increase investment in new, quieter aircraft.
However, councillors rejected the proposals after hearing that the introduction of extra flights would “result in a materially new and substantial harm” through noise pollution, according to the Standard newspaper, while objectors also raised concerns about increased carbon emissions.
“There is so much potential for this area but it is being held back by a polluting airport which is causing misery for residents and is used by so few,” said Green Party councillor Nate Higgins.
“Instead, we’re discussing an expansion which will exacerbate disruption and affect residents who are already unhappy about noise pollution caused by the airport.
“This proposal will only add to their grievances, replacing much-needed respite on Saturdays with further disturbance.”