Roberta Aguirre
London is served by six international airports and several smaller airports, constituting the busiest airport system in the world by passenger numbers. London Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest airport, was once known as London Airport. The name was changed in 1966, twenty years after its establishment, to distinguish it from other airports in the city. Heathrow Airport is located 14 miles (23 km) west of Central London and is the largest of London's airports.
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What You'll Learn
Heathrow Airport
In 1966, London Airport was renamed Heathrow Airport, taking its new name from the centuries-old hamlet of Heath Row that once stood near the airport's current location. The name change was implemented to give the airport a more distinctive identity and to distinguish it from other airports in the region, particularly Gatwick Airport, which had risen to prominence.
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London City Airport
An opinion poll among local residents showed a majority in favour of the airport's development, and outline planning permission was granted in May 1985, followed by detailed planning permission in early 1986. Construction began shortly after, with Charles, Prince of Wales, laying the foundation stone of the terminal building on 2 May 1986. The airport was developed by the engineering company Mowlem between 1986 and 1987. The first aircraft landed on 31 May 1987, with the first commercial services operating from 26 October 1987. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened London City Airport in November 1987.
In its first full year of operation, London City Airport handled 133,000 passengers, with the earliest scheduled flights to and from Plymouth, Paris, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. By 1995, passenger numbers reached half a million, and the airport was sold to Irish businessman Dermot Desmond. In 2002, a jet centre catering to corporate aviation was opened, along with additional aircraft stands at the western end of the apron. In 2005, the London City Airport DLR station opened, providing rail access to the airport for the first time. In 2006, the airport was purchased by a consortium comprising insurer AIG Financial Products and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).
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Gatwick Airport
In the 1960s, British United Airways (BUA) and Dan-Air were two of the largest British independent airlines at Gatwick. BUA established itself as the dominant scheduled operator at the airport, while Dan-Air became its leading provider of inclusive tour charter services. Gatwick Airport experienced further rapid growth of charter flights when the Ministry of Aviation instructed airlines to move regular charter flights from Heathrow.
In the 1980s, Dan-Air and Air Europe became Gatwick's dominant scheduled short-haul operators, while British Airways (BA) continued in the role of the airport's most important scheduled long-haul operator. By the turn of the millennium, BA had become Gatwick's dominant airline. However, BA's subsequent decision to de-hub Gatwick allowed easyJet to establish its biggest base at the airport and become its dominant airline.
In 2008, BAA announced it would sell Gatwick Airport due to the company's market dominance in London and the South East. An agreement was reached in October 2009 to sell Gatwick to a consortium led by Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for £1.51 billion. GIP also purchased Edinburgh Airport in 2012.
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Luton Airport
London is served by six international airports, one of which is London Luton Airport. Luton Airport is located 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of Luton's town centre and is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council. It is the fourth-largest airport serving London and the fifth busiest airport in the UK. The airport serves as a base for easyJet, TUI Airways, Ryanair, and Wizz Air.
The airport opened on 16 July 1938 and during the Second World War, it was used by fighters of the Royal Air Force. Commercial activity and general aviation flight training resumed in 1952. During the 1960s, Luton Airport played a significant role in the package holiday business, and by 1969, one-fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departed from Luton Airport. In 1990, the airport was renamed London Luton Airport to emphasise its proximity to the capital.
The arrivals hall at Luton Airport features shops, restaurants, and other amenities, while the departures lounge offers a kids' play area and lounges in addition to the previously mentioned facilities. Licensed taxis and private transfer services are also available at the airport.
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London Southend Airport
London is served by six international airports and several smaller airports. London Southend Airport (IATA: SEN, ICAO: EGMC) is one of the international airports situated on the outskirts of Southend-on-Sea in Essex, England. The airport is approximately 36 miles (58 kilometres) from the centre of London.
The current passenger terminal, built in 2012, has the capacity to serve five to six million passengers per year. The airport was voted the best airport in Britain for three consecutive years by consumer group Which? in 2013, 2014, and 2015. It won the best London airport for six consecutive years between 2013 and 2019. The airport has twelve check-ins, two floors, ten departure gates, and two baggage claims. There are several amenities available, including shops and places to eat and drink.
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Frequently asked questions
London Airport was renamed Heathrow Airport in 1966.
As Gatwick Airport rose to prominence, "London Airport" needed a less generic name to distinguish it from its counterpart in the south. The airport is named after the hamlet of Heath Row, where it was built.
London is served by five other international airports: London City Airport, Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport, Stansted Airport, and London Southend Airport.
