Lois Larson
London, England, is served by six international airports and several smaller airports. London's busiest airport by passenger numbers is Heathrow Airport, which is also the second-busiest airport in the world by passenger numbers. However, Heathrow Airport was not always London's primary airport. Before Heathrow, Croydon Airport in South London was the UK's main airport, having opened in 1920 following the combination of two former First World War airfields at Beddington and Waddon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Croydon Airport |
| Location | South London |
| Year of opening | 1920 |
| Previous names | Beddington Aerodrome, Croydon Aerodrome, London Airport |
| Operator | Imperial Airways (later BOAC, later British Airways) |
| Destinations | Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Paris, Berlin |
| Notable features | First customs in the UK, first charter flight, first departure board, first airport hotel in the world, first formal air traffic control system |
| Notable passengers | Amy Johnson, Charles Lindbergh, Bert Hinkler, Alan Cobham, Jim Mollison, Mary Bailey, Arthur Clouston, Betty Kirby-Green |
| Closure | September 1959 |
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What You'll Learn
Croydon Airport was London's main airport before Heathrow
Heathrow Airport, located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, is the largest of London's airports and is considered the main gateway to the United Kingdom for non-European visitors. It serves six continents and is the base for British Airways. However, Heathrow hasn't always been the primary airport in the UK. Before Heathrow, Croydon Airport in South London was the country's main airport.
Croydon Airport was developed as Britain's main airport, handling more cargo, mail, and passengers than any other UK airport at the time. It opened in 1920, following the combination of two former First World War airfields at Beddington and Waddon. Croydon was the first airport in the world to introduce air traffic control, a control tower, and radio position-fixing procedures. The "aerodrome control tower", 15 feet high with windows on all four sides, was commissioned on 25 February 1920 and provided basic traffic, weather, and location information to pilots. Croydon was also home to Britain's first national airline, Imperial Airways, founded in 1924. The airline served routes as far as Australia, and Croydon became the departure point for many world record-breaking flights.
During World War II, Croydon Airport's role changed to that of a fighter airfield during the Battle of Britain. In 1943, RAF Transport Command was founded at the site, transporting thousands of troops into and out of Europe. After the war, Croydon returned to civil aviation, but its lack of available land for expansion meant that it could not keep up with the increasing demands of aviation. Heathrow, on the other hand, offered more space for expansion.
By the early 1950s, Heathrow had overtaken Croydon in passenger capacity and became the country's primary airport. The last flight left Croydon in September 1959, and today, the former airport site is dominated by housing and an industrial estate. Heathrow has since grown to become one of the busiest airports in the world, while Croydon Airport remains a significant part of early 20th-century British history.
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Heathrow is London's largest airport
Heathrow Airport, located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, is the largest airport in London, UK. It is considered the main gateway to the United Kingdom for non-European visitors. Heathrow has four terminals and two parallel runways. The airport is connected to Great Britain's motorway network via the M4 and M25 motorways and to London Paddington station by train.
Heathrow officially opened for commercial air travel on 31 May 1946, taking over the role of London's main airport from Croydon Aerodrome, which had operated in that capacity since 1920. The origins of Heathrow as an airport go back to the early days of aviation. West London had been the base for military aircraft manufacturers such as Sopwith (later Hawker) in Kingston and Fairey in Hayes.
Heathrow has grown to become one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2012, it handled 70 million passengers in a calendar year, making it the third busiest airport in the world in terms of passenger numbers, after Atlanta and Beijing–Capital. It is also the busiest airport in Europe by total passenger numbers. Heathrow serves six continents and is the base for the flag carrier British Airways in Terminal 5.
Heathrow has faced challenges with expansion due to its location in London's western suburbs. Various expansion projects have been cancelled, and the airport consistently operates at over 99% capacity. However, expansion plans have been approved by the government, including a new northwest runway and terminal.
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London City Airport is the closest airport to central London
The airport was first proposed in 1981 by Reg Ward, who was the Chief Executive of the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) at the time. In 1982, a Dash 7 aircraft landed on Heron Quays to demonstrate the feasibility of the STOLport project, and an opinion poll found that local residents were in favour of the development. Construction began in 1986, and the airport was officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II 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.
In comparison, Heathrow Airport, located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, is the largest of London's airports and is considered the main gateway into the UK for non-European visitors. Heathrow has consistently run at over 99% capacity and is often included on lists of the world's worst-rated airports. However, it handles the most passengers in London and is the third busiest airport in the world, serving six continents. Heathrow has four terminals and two parallel runways, and it is connected to London's motorway network and public transport system.
Prior to the development of Heathrow, Croydon Airport in South London served as the UK's main airport. It opened in 1920 and was the country's only international airport at the time, with destinations including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Paris and Berlin. However, by the early 1950s, Heathrow had overtaken Croydon in passenger capacity and became the primary airport for the UK.
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Heathrow Airport is often listed as one of the world's worst-rated airports
In 2017, Heathrow was ranked as the 20th best airport globally, falling between San Francisco and Vancouver. This ranking considered punctuality, quality, and service. In 2024, Heathrow improved its position, ranking as the 21st best airport in the World Airport Awards, praised for its amenities, efficient operation, and good connections to central London.
Despite these improvements, Heathrow continues to face challenges. In 2009, a survey by Priority Pass ranked Heathrow as the worst airport in the world, with Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport coming in second. Heathrow's high passenger volume and capacity issues may contribute to its negative perception.
Prior to the development of Heathrow, Croydon Airport in South London served as the UK's main airport, particularly known for its international traffic. However, with the opening of Heathrow in 1946, offering more space, Croydon lost its prominence, and eventually closed in 1959. Heathrow, originally known as Heathrow Aerodrome and later 'London Airport,' became the country's primary airport in the early 1950s and has maintained this status.
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London Croydon Airport was Britain's first major international airport
London Croydon Airport, located in South London, was Britain's first major international airport. It opened on 29 March 1920, marking a new era in British aviation. The airport was formed by combining two former First World War airfields at Beddington and Waddon. Croydon Airport played a pivotal role in the development of global air travel after World War I and holds a significant place in early 20th-century British history.
Croydon Airport was not just a domestic hub but also handled international traffic, making it the UK's busiest airport during the inter-war period. Its early destinations included Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Paris, with Berlin being added in 1923. Croydon Airport's location was strategic, offering better facilities and a more convenient approach path compared to its predecessor, Hounslow Heath Aerodrome.
The airport witnessed numerous pioneering moments in aviation. In 1921, it became the world's first airport to adopt a formal air traffic control (ATC) system. The following year, radio position fixing, a forerunner to GPS, was introduced. Croydon Airport also saw the introduction of the "Mayday" distress call, created by senior Croydon radio officer Fred Stanley Mockford in 1923.
In 1924, Britain's four airlines, three of which were based at Croydon Airport, merged to form Imperial Airways, the country's national and sole airline. Croydon Airport served as the base for Imperial Airways, which operated routes as far as Australia. The airport also set new standards for airport design and functionality. Its magnificent terminal building, originally known as the Administration Building, opened in 1928 and became the world's first purpose-built airport terminal.
London Croydon Airport was a hub for technical innovation and a launchpad for many record-breaking flights. Aviators like Amy Johnson, Jean Batten, and Jim Mollison became global celebrities, with their daring exploits capturing the world's attention. However, with the onset of World War II, Croydon Airport lost its prominence, and Heathrow Airport, offering more space, rose to become the UK's primary aviation gateway.
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Frequently asked questions
Croydon Airport was the first major international airport in London. It opened in 1920 and was the UK's main airport until Heathrow rose to prominence after World War II.
The Croydon Airport was located in South London.
Croydon Airport closed 16 years after Heathrow opened in 1946. The last flight left in September 1959.
Heathrow Airport is the largest airport in London today. It is located in the London Borough of Hillingdon and has four terminals and two parallel runways.
