The city of London is renowned for its bustling streets and traffic congestion, making the journey to catch a flight to more tropical destinations seem like a logistical challenge. Navigating through this urban hustle and bustle often necessitates meticulous journey planning and early departures to ensure timely arrival at one of the London Airports.

It’s worth noting, however, that while Heathrow Airport stands as one of London’s most prominent aviation hubs, it is not the sole departure point for travellers. To provide a useful reference, we have compiled a list of other airports within the capital, each accompanied by essential information. This guide may help you discover alternative departure options that better suit your needs for future journeys.

For those curious about the number of London Airports, the city boasts six major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Southend, and London City Airport.

LONDON HEATHROW AIRPORT

Located within the London Borough of Hillingdon and commonly referred to as Heathrow Airport or London Heathrow Airport, this aviation hub holds the distinction of being the busiest airport in Europe and ranks as the seventh busiest in the world, owing to its vast scale.

Heathrow Airport traces its origins to the Great West Aerodrome, a modest grass airfield established in 1929. It adopted the name ‘Heathrow’ from the nearby hamlet and has since undergone remarkable expansion from its humble beginnings. The surrounding area, once dominated by farms and fields, provided the ideal canvas for the airport’s growth. During World War II, it underwent expansion for military purposes, primarily to facilitate troop movements to the Far East. After the war, it transitioned to civilian use, although construction delays persisted.

Presently, London Heathrow Airport is a sprawling complex serving as the gateway for over 80 airlines with connectivity to 185 destinations. Comprising one cargo terminal and four passenger terminals, Heathrow stands as a testament to modern aviation infrastructure. Over the years, the configuration of runways has evolved, with two parallel runways now oriented east and west.

The airport boasts an extensive array of amenities, including a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and gift shops offering everything from luxury perfumes to iconic London souvenirs. Additionally, Heathrow Airport accommodates individuals from various faiths, providing chaplaincy services and multi-faith prayer rooms in each terminal. Moreover, dedicated counselling rooms are available for travelers. Notably, Heathrow even maintains its own in-house press team complete with photographers and a professional TV crew.

LONDON GATWICK AIRPORT

Gatwick Airport, the second busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the ninth busiest in Europe, had its origins as an aerodrome in the 1920s. However, it wasn’t until 1935 that the first terminal, known as ‘The Beehive,’ became operational, following approval from the Air Ministry for commercial flights from the airport.

London Gatwick Airport features two terminals and two runways, though due to their proximity, the second runway is utilised only when the primary one is not in operation. This unique setup positions Gatwick as a single runway airport, and it’s worth noting that it ranks as the second busiest such airport globally.

The airport boasts a wide array of excellent facilities, including lounges, on-site hotels, and a multi-faith prayer room to accommodate travelers’ diverse needs. Furthermore, currency exchange services are available at Gatwick, offering convenience for passengers who may require foreign currency before embarking on their journeys.

LONDON CITY AIRPORT

Situated in the London Borough of Newham, London City Airport stands apart from its larger counterparts. With a single runway and a two-story terminal, it offers a more compact travel experience. Compared to London’s other airports, London City Airport is relatively new, having been constructed in 1986.

Given the limited space available in the London Docklands area, the airport accommodates its passengers with a single terminal. However, it experiences significant traffic during peak hours, emphasizing the importance of meticulous journey planning to avoid unwanted delays. For residents of East London, this conveniently located airport serves as a gateway to quick flights across Europe and beyond.

Beyond its role as a departure point, London City Airport also hosts a variety of exciting events, making it an engaging destination even when you’re not traveling. Over the years, the airport has been the venue for air shows and other special events. For information on upcoming events, be sure to visit the official London City Airport website to stay informed and not miss out on any exciting happenings.

LONDON STANSTED AIRPORT

Stansted, officially known as London Stansted Airport and situated in Uttlesford, Essex, serves as the primary base for Ryanair, an airline renowned for offering budget-friendly flights. From Stansted, planes connect to over 200 destinations spanning Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, positioning the airport as the fourth busiest in the United Kingdom.

Originally named Stansted Mountfitchet, the airport’s history dates back to 1943 when it was established as a military airfield for the RAF and the United States Army Air Forces. Following World War II, the RAF repurposed it for storage before transitioning to high-cost commercial operations in 1966.

London Stansted Airport features a single terminal, a large runway, and facilitates travel to over 190 destinations, including provisions for private flights. Over the years, the airport has undergone significant expansions and enhancements, offering an array of amenities such as on-site hotels and an extensive car park.

LONDON LUTON AIRPORT

Luton Airport, originally named Luton International Airport, first opened its doors in 1938 but was subsequently repurposed as a military airbase for the RAF during World War II. The airport, located in Luton, Bedfordshire, transitioned back to public commercial use in 1952, quickly becoming a highly popular departure point for travellers, hosting approximately one-fifth of all holiday flights in the UK.

Featuring a single runway equipped with the Instrument Landing System, London Luton Airport ensures operational continuity even during adverse weather conditions. The airport is home to a two-story terminal equipped with 62 check-in desks, offering a seamless travel experience. In addition to these amenities, passengers can explore a variety of shops and restaurants, providing entertainment and dining options while awaiting their flights.

LONDON SOUTHEND AIRPORT

Southend Airport, located in the Rochford District of Essex, held the distinction of being the third busiest airport in London during the 1960s and 70s until Stansted Airport began to attract more passengers. London Southend Airport boasts a captivating history, having served as a Royal Flying Corps base during World War I. Following the war, it was temporarily closed and used as farmland until the 1930s when it was reopened for military purposes during World War II. Subsequently, it transitioned to commercial use.

Presently, the airport features a single terminal and runway, offering a range of amenities including coffee shops, lounges, retail outlets, and duty-free shopping.

In summary, these are the six airports that serve London, each strategically located in different areas to ensure accessibility for residents throughout the city.