Everything You Need to Know About London’s Major Airports

London is the largest aviation hub in the world, with over 168 million passengers passing through one of its major airports in 2023 alone. This is busier than any other city in the world, primarily because it is a crucial stopping point between Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.

Yet, each of London’s airports has its unique features. Some have unusual designs, others feature an extended runway. Some have 5 terminals and some have just one terminal. 

Here is everything you need to know about London’s major airports:

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Heathrow is not only the UK’s largest airport but it is also one of the busiest in the world, with services to over 180 destinations in 90 countries. It handles more international passengers than any other airport around the globe, with 79 million in 2023 alone. Due to this capacity, Heathrow features two runways, allowing it to taxi, take off, and land simultaneously.

Because of this volume, each terminal has its own special features:

• The airport has five terminals and it processes approximately 1,300 flights per day.
• Terminal 2 is known as ‘The Queen’s Terminal’, housing an extensive range of shops from luxury brands to high street favourites.
• Terminal 3 is for long-haul and some European flights and it is home to Virgin Atlantic, Oneworld members, and a few other airlines.
• Terminal 5 is home to British Airways and offers a sophisticated shopping experience with boutiques such as Harrods and Louis Vuitton.
• The Heathrow Express offers quick, free travel between these 3 terminals.

If the main control tower at Heathrow was out of action for whatever reason, there is a virtual windowless control room away from the airfield which would allow Heathrow to operate up to 70% of its flights.

Because of its huge capacity, it can be difficult to find efficient transport to and from the airport, which is where a private luxury taxi service is so beneficial.

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

In 2019 Gatwick served around 40.9 million passengers and it prioritises a mix of both short-haul and long-haul flights, with a significant portion of its traffic coming from European destinations.

It has two main terminals:

• North Terminal offers an array of dining and shopping options, including the largest Harrods airport store.
• South Terminal houses intriguing facilities like the sensory room designed to calm nervous travellers.
• Gatwick operates up to 55 flights per hour, showcasing its capacity to handle a dense schedule very efficiently.

Gatwick is proud to be the ‘world’s first’ for a number of interesting accolades:

• It was the world’s first airport to have a direct mainline train link with a dedicated train station, with the most direct connections to more stations than any other European airport station.
• It is the first airport to convert waste into energy, intending to achieve an 85% recycling rate over the medium term.
• It was also the first airport to feature a round terminal with extendable gates.

Stansted Airport (STN)

Stansted is a favourite among budget travellers and serves mainly European and a few international destinations. It is a major base for low-cost carriers like Ryanair and EasyJet.

It is the only major London airport that provides a 3,000m+ runway capability which makes it a very versatile option for budget airlines. Because of this capability, it has been known to handle some unusual and special flights like Air Force One visits and by acting as a diversion site for catastrophes and critical scenarios.

The airport features:

• One terminal with a streamlined layout, which makes it easier to navigate.
• A range of shops and restaurants, including designer brands at discounted prices in the duty-free area.
• The capacity for up to 32 flights per hour, focusing primarily on point-to-point travel.
• There are worship spaces throughout the airport where people of all faiths can pray.
• Designed by the famous architect Norman Foster, Stansted Airport features a distinctive floating roof and an uncluttered terminal layout.

Luton Airport (LTN)

Luton is popular with budget airlines and typically serves European destinations, plus some international charter services. It is about 30 minutes outside of London and it is smaller than the other major London airports but highly efficient:

• The shopping and dining selection includes practical options geared towards budget-conscious travellers, with stores offering travel essentials and quick dining spots.
• Luton is known for its easy accessibility and rapid check-in processes, catering to business travellers and short-haul European flights.

Luton Airport has undergone significant expansions and renovations to enhance its facilities and increase passenger capacity. Recent developments include upgrades to its terminal, shopping areas, and dining facilities, aiming to improve the overall passenger experience while maintaining its focus on efficiency and affordability.

London City Airport (LCY)

Located in the Royal Docks in the London Borough of Newham, just 7 miles east of the City of London, this airport is favoured by business travellers due to its proximity to the city’s financial districts. London City Airport primarily serves short-haul flights but is unique in its operations:

• It offers a quick check-in experience, often requiring passengers to arrive only 15-30 minutes prior to departure.
• The airport features luxury facilities, including a private jet centre and a boutique feel with premium services.
• Despite its small size, it handles an impressive 38 flights per hour, specialising in efficient business travel.
• London City Airport is known for its single runway and one-terminal layout so passengers benefit from shorter walking distances within the terminal

Each of London’s airports has its own unique characteristics and specialities. Whether you’re looking for luxury shopping at Heathrow, enjoying the efficient layout of Stansted, or taking advantage of the quick access to London City Airport, knowing these details can help you plan a smoother trip.

Hopefully, this will help you decide which airport is best for your situation and the type of flight or airline you are flying with. Whatever happens, rest assured you will be thoroughly impressed by the scale and efficiency of London’s major airports!