Owais Crawford
London, England, is served by six international airports and several smaller airports, making it the busiest airport system in the world by passenger numbers. Heathrow Airport is the largest and best-known airport in London, and one of the most important airports in the world. London's other airports include Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, London City Airport, and London Southend Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports | 6 international airports and several smaller airports |
| Busiest airport | Heathrow Airport |
| Second busiest airport | Gatwick Airport |
| Third busiest airport | Stansted Airport |
| Fourth busiest airport | Luton Airport |
| Closest airport to central London | London City Airport |
| Travel time to central London | Heathrow Airport: 15 minutes; Gatwick Airport: 30 minutes; Stansted Airport: 45 minutes; Luton Airport: 40 minutes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
London has six international airports and several smaller airports
London is served by six international airports and several smaller airports. Together, these airports form the world's busiest airport system in terms of passenger numbers and the second-busiest by aircraft movements. In 2018, the six international airports handled a total of 177,054,819 passengers. London's airports handle over 60% of all UK air traffic, serving 14 domestic and 396 international destinations.
The largest and most well-known of London's airports is Heathrow Airport. Heathrow is a major hub for flights across the North Atlantic and is the European terminus for 11 of the 25 busiest North Atlantic routes. The busiest long-haul route in the world is between London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and New York (JFK and Newark). Heathrow Airport is the most convenient option for those travelling to central or west London. Travellers can reach Paddington Station in central London from Heathrow in just 15 minutes.
London City Airport is the closest airport to central London. It is located in the Docklands, four miles from Canary Wharf. Only the smallest aircraft are permitted to use the airport due to its short runway and steep approach angle. London City Airport is easily accessible by public transport, with a light rail service connecting it to the financial district. It is also served by taxi and bus services from the city centre. London City Airport is the best option for those looking to land as close to the city as possible.
London's other airports include Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Southend. Gatwick Airport is a convenient option for those travelling to south London, with a direct train to London Victoria taking 30 minutes. Stansted is London's third-busiest airport and the fourth-busiest in the United Kingdom. It is served by the Stansted Express train, which takes 45 minutes to reach London Liverpool Street. Luton Airport is a popular choice for budget travellers and those travelling to Europe, North Africa, or Asia. It can be reached by bus shuttle and train in about 40 minutes. Southend Airport is connected to London Liverpool Street station by Abellio Greater Anglia trains, with the journey taking about one hour.
Airport Ubers: Why They Cost More
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Heathrow is the largest and most well-known airport in London
Heathrow Airport (IATA: LHR, ICAO: EGLL) is the largest and most well-known airport in London. Colloquially known as London Heathrow Airport, it is the primary international airport serving London, the capital of the United Kingdom. Heathrow is one of six international airports in the London airport system, including Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend. Heathrow is the largest of these airports and is considered the main gateway to the United Kingdom for non-European visitors.
Heathrow Airport is located in the London Borough of Hillingdon and is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings. The airport was founded as a small airfield in 1930 and was later developed into a larger airport after World War II. In 1966, the airport was renamed Heathrow Airport to avoid confusion with the other two London airports at the time, Gatwick and Stansted.
Heathrow is a major global travel hub and has been recognised as one of the world's busiest airports. In 2024, it was the fourth-busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic and the second-busiest by international passenger traffic. The airport served 84.1 million passengers from March 2024 to February 2025, with a record 80.9 million passengers travelling through in 2019. Heathrow is also the UK's largest port by value, with a network of over 218 destinations worldwide.
The airport has four passenger terminals (Terminals 2 to 5) and a cargo terminal. Over 89 airlines operate from Heathrow, including major carriers such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Lufthansa. Heathrow is the primary hub for British Airways and a base for Virgin Atlantic. The airport has a significant impact on the UK's economy, employing more than 90,000 people and making it the UK's largest single-site employer.
Heathrow has faced challenges, such as operating at full capacity, which has limited its ability to increase service to certain destinations. There have been proposals to expand the airport, including the addition of a third runway and a sixth terminal building. However, these plans have faced opposition due to environmental and community impact concerns. Heathrow's busy nature has also led to notable incidents, such as a complete closure due to snowfall in 2010 and a fire that disrupted flight schedules in 2025.
Bangor, Maine: Airport Accessibility and Travel Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
London City Airport is the closest to central London
London is served by six international airports and several smaller airports. London City Airport is the closest airport to central London, located just seven miles east of the city centre in the London Borough of Newham. It is situated in London's Docklands, four miles from Canary Wharf, and is a popular choice for business travellers due to its proximity to the financial district.
London City Airport is a relatively small airport with one terminal and one short runway. The steep approach of the runway, at a 5.5-degree angle, means only the smallest aircraft are permitted to use the airport. This was a limiting factor for long-haul flights until 2009, when British Airways introduced a flight to New York JFK via Shannon, using an Airbus A318 – the largest aircraft that can be handled at the airport. The Airbus A220-100, a slightly smaller aircraft, has since replaced the Airbus A318 and can take off from London City fully loaded.
London City Airport offers easy connections to central London. Travellers can get to the city centre by tube (DLR), bus, or taxi. A light rail service from the airport's DLR station, which adjoins the terminal, links to the financial district at Bank and Monument stations, offering interchanges with the London Underground. The airport also offers hotel transfers and car parking.
Other major airports in London include Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, and Southend. Heathrow is the biggest airport in the UK and one of the world's busiest, located 15-20 miles west of central London. It is well-connected to the city centre, with the Heathrow Express train taking passengers to Paddington Station in 15 minutes. Gatwick Airport, the second busiest airport in the UK, is located 28-30 miles south of central London and offers a non-stop train service to London Victoria station in 30 minutes. Luton and Stansted airports are also popular choices for budget travellers.
Orlando Airport Protesters: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Luton Airport is a popular choice for budget travellers
London is served by six international airports and several smaller airports. These include Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, London City, and Southend Airport. Luton Airport, in particular, is a popular choice for budget travellers.
Luton Airport is located just 28 miles north of Central London. It is known for its efficiency and accessibility, making it a go-to option for travellers seeking affordable and convenient flight options. The airport has a range of budget-friendly airlines, such as easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, which offer extensive connectivity across Europe and beyond. For instance, travellers can easily access Amsterdam, Barcelona, Budapest, and Lisbon through affordable flights from Luton Airport.
Additionally, Luton Airport has convenient and affordable transfer options. The Luton DART, an automated people mover, provides a seamless connection between Luton Airport Parkway station and the airport, eliminating the need for shuttle buses. Local buses also connect the airport to Luton town centre and nearby towns, including Dunstable, Houghton Regis, and Milton Keynes.
In the 1960s, Luton Airport played a pivotal role in the growth of the package holiday business, making foreign holidays more accessible to a wider range of people. It served as the operating base for several charter airlines, and by 1969, a significant portion of holiday flights from the UK originated from Luton. However, the airport has also faced setbacks, such as the loss of Ryanair as a base in 1991, which led to a decline in passenger numbers. Despite this, Luton Airport remains a popular choice for travellers seeking budget-friendly options, and it continues to offer convenient access to a variety of exciting destinations.
Buffalo Airport Shutdown: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Gatwick Airport is best for those in south London
London is served by several airports, with Heathrow Airport being the largest and best known. While Heathrow is the primary hub for international flights, Gatwick Airport is best for those in South London.
Gatwick Airport is located around 25-30 miles south of central London. It is connected to central London by the Gatwick Express, which runs to Victoria Station in about 30 minutes. Southern and Thameslink trains offer longer but often cheaper routes to various parts of London. There are also bus and taxi services available. Gatwick is also accessible by bicycle, as it is on National Cycle Route 21, which runs from Greenwich in south London.
Gatwick has two terminals, North and South, which have been refurbished in recent years. The airport handled 46.1 million passengers in 2018. It serves a large number of international destinations and is a major base for low-cost carriers, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. There is also a reasonable selection of domestic flights.
Gatwick has a wide range of amenities, including shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and lounges, though on a smaller scale compared to Heathrow. The airport's eateries are designed to offer an experience that mirrors London's vibrant culinary scene, with traditional British food and exotic Asian delicacies. Gatwick's security tends to be swifter than Heathrow's, and immigration lines tend to move fast thanks to automatic gates.
Edinburgh Airport's Expansive Layout: Size and Significance
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, London has six international airports and several smaller airports.
Heathrow, Gatwick, London Stansted, Luton, London City, and London Southend.
The route between London (Heathrow and Gatwick) and New York (JFK and Newark) is the busiest long-haul route from London.
Gatwick Airport is connected to London Victoria Station by train. You can also take a Gatwick Express train to get to London Victoria or Brighton.
You can take the Stansted Express train to get to London Liverpool Street Station in around 45 minutes.
