
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (IATA: LPL, ICAO: EGGP) is an international airport in Liverpool, England, situated on the estuary of the River Mersey. The airport is about 7 miles southeast of Liverpool city centre and was originally called Speke Airport. It was renamed in 2001 after John Lennon, the Liverpudlian musician and member of The Beatles. The airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke. Today, it offers scheduled domestic and international flights to various destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, and has been recognised as one of the best airports in the UK.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Liverpool John Lennon Airport (IATA: LPL, ICAO: EGGP) |
| Location | 6.5 nautical miles (12.0 km; 7.5 mi) or 7 miles southeast of Liverpool city centre, UK |
| Ownership | 47% owned by Peel, 47% by Ancala Partners, and 6% by Liverpool City Council |
| History | Originally called Speke Airport, it was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke during World War II. Renamed in 2001 after John Lennon of The Beatles. |
| Terminals | 1 passenger terminal with a capacity of 7 million passengers per year |
| Runways | 1 runway measuring 7,500 ft (2,286 m) in length |
| Services | Scheduled domestic, European, North African, Middle Eastern, and transatlantic flights |
| Passenger Numbers | 689,468 in 1997, 5.47 million in 2007, 4.19 million in 2023 |
| Awards | Ranked as the number one airport in the UK in the 2024 Which? Best and Worst Airports survey |
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What You'll Learn

The airport is located 7 miles southeast of Liverpool city centre
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (IATA: LPL, ICAO: EGGP) is located 7 miles southeast of Liverpool city centre, adjacent to the River Mersey. The airport is one of the longest-established operational airports in the United Kingdom, with a history spanning 90 years. It was originally called Speke Airport and was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke during World War II. In 2001, the airport was renamed in honour of John Lennon, a native of Liverpool and a member of The Beatles.
The airport is accessible via the M62 and A561 when approaching from the east (Manchester, Leeds, etc.). For travellers coming from the south and midlands, the M6 is a more convenient route. Those travelling from Liverpool city centre can take the A5036 and then turn onto the A561, following the airport signs.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport has a single passenger terminal, three general-use hangars, a FedEx Express courier service centre, and a single runway measuring 7,500 feet in length. The control tower is located south of the runway. The airport offers scheduled domestic, European, North African, and Middle Eastern services, connecting Liverpool to over 70 direct destinations across Europe and North Africa. Additionally, multiple airlines provide onward connections to North America.
The airport has undergone several developments over the years, including the construction of a multi-level car park and a Hampton by Hilton hotel, which opened in October 2009. There are also plans for future infrastructure investments, such as a possible runway extension to enable transatlantic flights and a new cargo area south of the runway. Terminal expansion, hotel and parking expansion, and improved public transport connections are also part of the proposed plans.
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It was originally called Speke Airport
John Lennon Airport is located in Liverpool, England, and is named after the famous Beatles member, who called the city home. The airport is situated in the Speke area of Liverpool, which is south of the main city centre, alongside the River Mersey. The airport has strong links to the Beatles and their legacy, with various pieces of art and exhibits celebrating the band and their music.
The airport was originally called Speke Airport, named after the area of Liverpool in which it is located. The airport's history dates back to the early days of aviation, with the first flight from the site taking place in 1930. It was officially opened as a municipal airport in 1933, serving the city of Liverpool. During World War II, the airport was used by the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Force, playing a role in the protection of the UK during the conflict.
In the post-war years, Speke Airport grew in importance, becoming an international airport in 1956. It became a base for various airlines, including British Airways and Dan-Air, offering flights to a range of European destinations. The airport continued to develop, with new terminals and improved infrastructure, but it was in 1980 that it was renamed after John Lennon.
The idea to rename the airport came about following Lennon's death in 1980. A competition was held, and the public voted to rename the airport after the famous musician, a decision that was approved by the Liverpool City Council. The new name, John Lennon Airport, was officially adopted in 1986, and a statue of Lennon was unveiled at the airport in 2002, further cementing the link between the airport and the Beatles' legacy.
The airport has continued to develop and expand over the years, with new facilities and improved transport links. It remains an important regional airport, offering flights to a range of European destinations and playing a key role in the economy and tourism of Liverpool. The airport's unique name and its association with John Lennon and the Beatles have helped to put it on the map, attracting visitors and fans from around the world.
So, while the airport's name may now be synonymous with one of Liverpool's most famous sons, its original name, Speke Airport, reflects the area's history and the important role the airport has played in the development of aviation and the city of Liverpool itself.
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It is one of the longest-established operational airports in the UK
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (IATA: LPL, ICAO: EGGP) is one of the longest-established operational airports in the United Kingdom. It is situated around seven miles southeast of Liverpool city centre, on the estuary of the River Mersey. The airport has been in operation for over 90 years and has played a significant role in transporting people and goods across the country and the world.
Originally called Speke Airport, it was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke during World War II. In the mid-1970s, control of the airport was transferred from Liverpool Corporation to Merseyside County Council. The airport was privatised in 1990, with British Aerospace acquiring a majority stake. In 2001, 21 years after his death, it was renamed in honour of the famous Liverpudlian musician John Lennon of The Beatles.
Over the years, Liverpool John Lennon Airport has undergone significant developments. In 1986, a modern passenger terminal was opened adjacent to the new runway, replacing the original 1930s building. The old terminal, with its Grade II listed Art Deco style, was converted into a hotel in 2001. In 2000, a £42.5 million project to expand the passenger terminal was initiated, tripling its size and capacity. This expansion was completed in 2002 and officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II.
Today, Liverpool John Lennon Airport offers connections to more than 70 direct destinations across Europe and North Africa, with onward connections to North America. It handled 4.19 million passengers in 2023, making it the 12th busiest airport in the UK. The airport consists of a single terminal with a capacity of 7 million passengers annually. It features a single runway, three general-use hangars, and a FedEx Express courier service centre.
Looking ahead, Liverpool John Lennon Airport has proposed future developments to enhance its infrastructure. These plans include a possible £100 million investment to extend the runway, enabling transatlantic and long-haul flights. Additionally, there are proposals for a new cargo area, terminal expansions, improved public transport connections, and the development of a nature reserve on the coastal perimeter of the Oglet Shore.
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It was renamed after John Lennon of The Beatles in 2001
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (IATA: LPL, ICAO: EGGP) is an international airport in Liverpool, England, situated on the estuary of the River Mersey, about 7 miles southeast of Liverpool city centre. The airport has been Merseyside's aviation gateway for over 90 years, connecting Liverpool to more than 70 destinations across Europe and North Africa, with onward connections to North America.
The airport was originally called Speke Airport and was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke during World War II. In 2001, 21 years after his death, it was renamed after John Lennon of The Beatles. John Lennon was a Liverpudlian musician and one of the members of the famous English rock band, which rose to prominence in the 1960s.
The renaming of the airport was a way to honour Lennon's legacy and his connection to the city of Liverpool. Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, attended the inauguration ceremony for the airport's first transatlantic air service in 2007. The airport has also featured Beatles-themed artwork, including a statue of Lennon and a mural depicting the band members.
In addition to the name change, the airport has undergone several developments and extensions. In 2000, construction began on a new passenger terminal, tripling the airport's size and capacity, which was completed in 2002 and opened by Queen Elizabeth II. The original terminal building, dating from the 1930s, was converted into a hotel, preserving its Grade II-listed Art Deco style. The hotel was initially part of the Marriott chain but is now the Crowne Plaza Liverpool John Lennon Airport Hotel.
Today, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK, handling millions of passengers each year. It consists of a single passenger terminal, three general-use hangars, a FedEx Express courier service centre, and a single runway. The airport is currently owned by Peel, Ancala Partners, and Liverpool City Council, with plans for further infrastructure development and improvements to accessibility.
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It is owned by Peel, Ancala Partners, and Liverpool City Council
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is an international airport located on the estuary of the River Mersey, about 7 miles southeast of Liverpool city centre. The airport was originally called Speke Airport and was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke during World War II. In 2001, it was renamed after the famous Liverpudlian musician John Lennon of The Beatles.
As of 2024, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is majority-owned by Peel and Ancala Partners, with Liverpool City Council holding a minority stake. Specifically, Peel owns 47% of the airport, Ancala Partners owns 47%, and Liverpool City Council owns the remaining 6%.
The airport has a rich history, playing a significant role in Merseyside's aviation industry for over 90 years. It was privatised in 1990, with British Aerospace acquiring a 76% shareholding. Subsequently, the airport became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Peel Holdings. Over the years, there have been several changes in ownership and management, with improvements made to the airport's infrastructure and facilities.
Peel and Ancala Partners, as the majority owners, have significant influence over the airport's operations and development. Peel, in particular, has been involved in several key projects, including the construction of a multi-level car park and a Hampton by Hilton hotel in 2007. In 2010, Peel sold a 65% stake in the airport to Vancouver Airport Services but repurchased it in 2014, regaining full ownership. In 2016, Peel sold a 20% stake to Liverpool City Council, valuing the airport at £60 million.
Looking forward, there are plans for further development and improvement of the airport's infrastructure. Potential future projects include a runway extension to enable transatlantic flights, a new cargo area, terminal expansion, and improved public transport connections.
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Frequently asked questions
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is located in the UK, about 7 miles southeast of Liverpool city centre and adjacent to the River Mersey.
When approaching from the east (Manchester, Leeds, etc.), exit at junction 6 of the M62 and follow the signs. Passengers approaching from the south and midlands should use the M6, which passes close to the airport.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (IATA: LPL, ICAO: EGGP) is one of the longest-established operational airports in the UK. It was originally called Speke Airport and was operated by the Royal Air Force as RAF Speke during World War II. The airport was renamed in 2001 in honour of John Lennon of the Beatles, who was a native of Liverpool.







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