CAMPAIGNERS have reacted angrily to the failure of a legal bid to stop an increase in flights of up to 50 per cent from City Airport.

Campaign group Fight the Flights (FTF) wants to curb rising air traffic over Wanstead, and took Newham Council to the High Court over its decision to allow up to 40,000 extra flights a year.

FTF claimed Newham did not consult Redbridge Council and its residents properly when it approved the increase in July 2009, and that it ignored changes in government policy on climate change.

But the High Court threw out the case and campaigners are now taking legal advice on whether to appeal.

Anne Williams, of Gordon Road, is a member of Wanstead Friends of the Earth, which supported FTF’s campaign.

She said: “I’m very, very disappointed with the ruling, and I’m also very surprised because I thought they had a good case.

“We hope the group will appeal and we will do everything we can to support them.

“There will be an accident. All these planes from City, as well as Heathrow and Stansted, can’t just keep stacking over the skies of east London.

Environmental campaigner Paul Donovan, of Dangan Road, said: “We hear this rhetoric about tackling climate change, but it’s a load of greenwash.

“At the same time, City Airport is expanding and the Mayor of London is also talking about building a new airport.

“The penny just doesn’t seem to be dropping with these people. Redbridge citizens’ quality of life doesn’t count for much.

“The only thing that seems to stop flights is volcanic eruptions, so maybe we should stir a few of those up.

Richard Gooding, the airport's chief executive, said he was “delighted” with the court's decision.

He added: “This is great news for London City Airport and Newham and will allow us, and our partner airlines, to continue our key role in supporting the local, regional and national economies and providing new local employment and training opportunities.

“The decision also enables us to continue supporting the much needed regeneration and investment which London City Airport has helped bring to east London over the past 23 years.”

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said: “Redbridge Council has been very concerned at the increased noise nuisance to local residents caused by changes to flight paths to airports in and around London.

“The council has asked to be consulted on proposals which involve any further changes to modes and hours of operation, flight paths or number of aircraft movements and will continue to oppose any change which brings increased noise and disruption to the borough’s residents.”