Jazmin Li
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 busiest airport in the UK, located 14-15 miles from Central London. Other major airports include Gatwick Airport, Luton Airport, Stansted Airport, London City Airport, and Southend Airport. London City Airport is the closest to central London, located in the Docklands, while Southend Airport is about 36 miles from the center of the city.
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Heathrow Airport
Due to Heathrow Airport consistently operating at over 99% capacity, former London mayor Boris Johnson and Sir Norman Foster proposed the construction of a new airport in the Thames Estuary or on the Isle of Grain in North Kent. This new airport would have been designed to handle 110 million passengers annually, potentially making it the busiest in the world. However, the plans faced opposition from local residents concerned about an increase in bird strikes. Heathrow remains a significant international airport, facing the challenge of meeting high demand while exploring expansion possibilities to enhance its capacity and improve its reputation.
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London City Airport
The airport was first proposed in 1981 by Reg Ward, the Chief Executive of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC), and developed by the engineering company Mowlem between 1986 and 1987. Queen Elizabeth II officially opened London City Airport in November 1987. The airport has since expanded, with the addition of a jet centre, aircraft stands, and a new ground holding point. In 2005, the London City Airport DLR station opened, providing rail access for the first time. London City Airport has seen significant growth in passenger numbers over the years, with over 2.3 million passengers using the airport in 2006.
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Gatwick Airport
The land on which Gatwick Airport stands was first developed as an aerodrome in the late 1920s. The Air Ministry approved commercial flights from the site in 1933, and the first terminal, "The Beehive", was built in 1935. Scheduled air services from the new terminal began the following year. During World War II, the airport was taken over by the military and was known as RAF Gatwick. After the war, the airport returned to its civilian capacity, and the airport proper was built in the mid-1950s, opening in 1956.
The airport buildings were designed by Yorke Rosenberg Mardall between 1955 and 1988. In the 1960s, British United Airways (BUA) and Dan-Air were two of the largest British independent airlines at Gatwick. BUA became the dominant scheduled operator at the airport, while Dan-Air became its leading provider of inclusive tour charter services. In the 1970s, following the takeover of BUA by Caledonian Airways, the resulting airline, British Caledonian (BCal), became Gatwick's dominant scheduled airline.
In the late 1980s, conditions imposed by Britain's Monopolies and Mergers Commission on the takeover of BCal by British Airways (BA) resulted in Dan-Air and Air Europe assuming BCal's former role as Gatwick's dominant scheduled short-haul operator. BA continued in its role as the airport's most important scheduled long-haul operator. By the turn of the millennium, BA had become Gatwick's dominant airline. However, after BA's decision to de-hub Gatwick, easyJet was able to establish its biggest base at the airport and become its dominant airline.
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Luton Airport
London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW) is an international airport located in Luton, England, just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre. It is one of six international airports serving the London area, and it is the fourth-largest and fifth busiest airport in the UK. The airport is easily accessible from central London and is a popular choice for budget travellers.
The history of Luton Airport dates back to 16 July 1938, when it was opened as Luton Municipal Airport. During World War II, the airport was utilised by the Royal Air Force, and commercial activity resumed in 1952. In the 1960s, Luton Airport played a pivotal role in the burgeoning package holiday market, with a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departing from Luton by 1969. The airport experienced setbacks in the 1970s and 1980s, but expansion plans were initiated to accommodate up to 5 million passengers annually.
In 1990, the airport was renamed London Luton Airport to highlight its proximity to the capital. The introduction of new operators, including low-cost carriers, in the 1990s led to a surge in passenger numbers, making it the fastest-growing major airport in the UK. Significant investments were made in infrastructure and facilities during this decade, including the opening of a new terminal in 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
London Luton Airport offers a range of facilities for travellers. The airport has one terminal building with an arrivals hall featuring shops, restaurants, a currency exchange, and an onward travel centre. The departures lounge provides additional amenities, including shops, restaurants, bars, a kids' play area, and lounges. The airport also provides car hire services and parking options, including official on-site car parks.
Travelling to and from London Luton Airport is convenient, with various transport options available. The airport is well-connected to central London via fast rail services, with journey times as quick as 32 minutes. The Luton DART provides a quick four-minute link between the airport and Luton Airport Parkway station, from where frequent trains depart for central London. Additionally, coach services, such as National Express and Green Line, offer accessible and affordable travel options to destinations across London. Licensed taxis and private transfer services are also available at the airport.
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Southend Airport
London Southend Airport is an international airport situated on the outskirts of Southend-on-Sea in Essex, England. It is approximately 36 miles (58 kilometres) from the centre of London. The airport is located between Southend-on-Sea and Rochford town and city centres, 1.5 NM (2.8 kilometres; 1.7 miles) north of Southend. Southend Airport was the UK's third-busiest airport during the 1960s, behind Heathrow and Manchester, before passenger numbers dropped off in the 1970s.
The airport has undergone several developments over the years, including a new terminal and control tower, an extended runway, and the opening of the Southend Airport railway station. The current passenger terminal, built in 2012, has the capacity to serve five to six million passengers annually. The airport mainly handles scheduled passenger, charter, cargo, and business flights, alongside general aviation flying and pilot training.
London Southend Airport offers a range of facilities for passengers, including car parking, a bar, restaurant, cafe, shops, and currency exchange. The airport also has a four-star Holiday Inn hotel adjacent to the airport entrance, featuring 129 rooms, a conference and events area, a restaurant, and a bar. The hotel is within walking distance of the terminal building.
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Frequently asked questions
London, England is served by six international airports and several smaller airports.
The six major airports in London are Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, London City, and London Southend.
Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in London and the UK, with thousands of international flights.
London City Airport is the closest airport to central London.
