Roberta Aguirre
London is served by six major airports: London City, London Gatwick, London Heathrow, London Luton, London Stansted, and London Southend. Heathrow is the largest of these airports and is considered the main gateway to the UK for non-European visitors. It is also the only airport in London that does not operate at night. London City Airport, on the other hand, is the closest to central London, limiting its size to a single, very short runway. In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics and offerings of each of London's airports, including their proximity to cruise ports and transfer options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | London City Airport |
| Location | London Borough of Newham |
| Distance from the City | 4-6 miles |
| Runway | Single, short |
| Approach angle | 5.5° |
| Aircraft | Only the smallest aircraft are permitted |
| Airlines | British Airways |
| Aircraft models | Airbus A318, Airbus A220-100 |
| Destinations | New York–JFK, Zurich, Frankfurt |
| Transport to London Liverpool Street | Stansted Express |
| Transport to Paddington | Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line trains |
| Transport to Central London | London Underground trains on the Piccadilly line |
| Other airports | Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Southend |
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Heathrow Airport
The airport's location and runway direction result in aircraft landing approaches that usually take place directly over the Greater London Urban Area when the wind blows from the west. Heathrow's expansion plans have faced challenges due to its location in London's western suburbs, with various projects being cancelled. However, in 2016, the government approved the construction of a new northwest runway and terminal.
Heathrow offers a range of services to enhance the airport experience, including fast-track security, various dining options, and extensive shopping opportunities. It also provides transport links and road route planning assistance to and from anywhere in the UK. Heathrow is easily accessible, with journey times from Central London taking approximately 45 minutes, and as little as 15 minutes to Paddington station using the Heathrow Express.
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Gatwick Airport
The airport buildings, designed by Yorke Rosenberg Mardall, showcase the airport's architectural heritage. Over the years, Gatwick has been a hub for several major airlines, including British United Airways (BUA) and Dan-Air, which were dominant operators in the 1960s.
Today, Gatwick Airport is the secondary London hub for British Airways and the largest operating base for easyJet. In 2018, the airport handled 46.1 million passengers, a testament to its popularity and connectivity.
Gatwick offers a variety of dining and shopping options to enhance the travel experience. Passengers can enjoy exclusive discounts at World Duty Free on leading brands such as Chanel, Tom Ford, and Jo Malone. The airport also provides convenient car parking options, with barrier-free entry and a short walk to the terminal.
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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 was developed by the engineering company Mowlem between 1986 and 1987. The airport has expanded over the years, with the addition of a jet centre for corporate aviation, new aircraft stands, and a ground holding point at the eastern end of the runway. London City Airport has seen significant growth in passenger numbers, reaching half a million by 1995 and over 2.3 million by 2006.
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Southend Airport
London Southend Airport (IATA: SEN, ICAO: EGMC) is an international airport situated on the outskirts of Southend-on-Sea in Essex, England. Southend Airport 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 km; 1.7 mi) north of Southend, in the county of Essex.
The airfield was established by the Royal Flying Corps during World War I. It was the largest flying ground in Essex, with the greatest number of units. In May 1915, the Royal Navy Air Service (RNAS) took over until June 1916, when it became RFC Rochford. It was designated as a night fighter station, and many sorties were flown against Zeppelin airship raiders, including LZ38 on 31 May 1915.
In 2012, the airport underwent a large expansion, which saw the construction of a new terminal and control tower, an extended runway, and the opening of the Southend Airport railway station. The airport is run by London Southend Airport Co Ltd, which employs around 250 people. Companies located within the airport boundary employ around 450 workers, with businesses including aircraft maintenance, flying clubs, and the airport-owned Holiday Inn hotel. The current passenger terminal has the capacity to serve five to six million passengers per year.
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Stansted Airport
The airport has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it was known as RAF Stansted Mountfitchet and served as a bomber airfield and maintenance depot for the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces. After the war, the airport was used by UK charter airlines before coming under the control of the British Airports Authority in 1966. Stansted experienced rapid expansion in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with passenger numbers peaking at 24 million in 2007. The airport underwent privatisation in 2013 and has continued to expand, serving 24.3 million passengers in 2016.
For travellers driving to the airport, Stansted offers both short and long-stay car parking options. Additionally, taxi services are available, with a reservation desk located in the arrivals hall. However, it is important to note that black cabs do not operate from the airport, and travellers are advised to use licensed minicabs instead. Stansted also provides a range of shops, restaurants, and currency exchange services in the arrivals and departure areas, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience for passengers.
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Frequently asked questions
Heathrow Airport is London's busiest and biggest airport. It is located 14 miles (23 km) west of central London and is also the largest and busiest airport in the United Kingdom.
Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and London City Airport are some of the best London airports to fly into. Heathrow is London's main aviation hub, while Gatwick is almost 30 miles from the city center, making it convenient for those in South London or southern England. Stansted is the third busiest airport in London and the fourth busiest in the UK, while London City Airport is the closest to central London.
The Heathrow Express train from Paddington station in west London is the fastest way to get to Heathrow Airport, taking 15 minutes to Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and an additional 5 minutes to Terminals 4 and 5.
London's Stansted Airport is the best airport for budget flights, offering more scheduled flights to Europe than any other UK airport. Luton Airport is another option for budget flights.
London City Airport is the most convenient airport, located in the heart of the Docklands area, six miles from the City and the financial district.
