London Airports; Everything You Need To Know

Are you planning a trip to London? Then you’ve come to the right place! This blog post will provide information on everything related to travelling in and around London – from airport flight options and services offered at the different airports.

Our goal is for it to be an easy-to-understand guide that helps make your experience stress-free and enjoyable. Whether catching a connecting flight or looking for helpful tips before arriving in the city, this blog post written by our chauffeurs has covered you! 

Discover all the incredible things waiting for you when visiting one of Europe’s most popular cities via its various airports below. Let’s get started! 

Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport, located in London, England, is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is a central hub for international travel, connecting people from all over the globe to destinations throughout Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa. 

The airport has four terminals and handles over 80 million passengers annually. It is the primary hub for British Airways and is also served by many other major airlines. In addition to passenger flights, Heathrow handles much cargo traffic. 

The airport has been operating since 1946 and has undergone numerous expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing number of passengers and flights. Despite its size and popularity, Heathrow has faced criticism for its environmental impact, and the local community has opposed the expansion of alternative airports.

Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport is the second-largest airport in London, England, after Heathrow Airport. It is located approximately 30 miles south of central London, West Sussex. The airport has two terminals and handles around 50 million passengers annually. 

It is a significant base for budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair, as well as several other airlines. Gatwick is also a significant cargo hub with facilities for handling express shipments, freight and mail. It has a long history, opening as an airport in the late 1920s and becoming London’s main airport in the 1930s before being surpassed by Heathrow. 

The airport has undergone several expansions, including adding a second runway in the 1980s and a significant redevelopment of the North Terminal in the early 21st century. 

Despite its size, Gatwick is known for its efficiency and is consistently ranked among the best airports in Europe for passenger satisfaction.

London City Airport

London City Airport is a small airport located in the London Borough of Newham, East London. The airport is just six miles from the city centre and is primarily used for business and leisure travel within Europe. It has one terminal and handles around 4.5 million passengers annually. 

The airport is known for its convenient location, proximity to the city centre and dedicated business travel focus, which makes it a popular choice among business travellers and executives. It has a single runway, which limits the type of aircraft that can land and take off, but it also offers flights to destinations across Europe and the UK. 

The airport has undergone several upgrades and expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building and the runway extension, to accommodate the growth in passenger numbers and the demand for more flights. 

Despite its small size, London City Airport is known for its efficiency and high level of service.

Stanstead Airport 

Stansted Airport is an international airport located in Essex, England, around 42 miles (68 km) northeast of central London. It is the fourth-busiest airport in the United Kingdom, handling around 35 million passengers annually. 

The airport is a significant base for budget airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet, and it also serves as a hub for other airlines such as TUI Airways, Jet2.com, and Wizz Air. Stansted has one terminal known for its focus on low-cost and charter flights and a cargo terminal. The airport has a long history, opening as a military airbase in the Second World War and later becoming a civilian airport in the 1950s. 

Despite its size, Stansted has faced criticism for its environmental impact and noise pollution, and the potential expansion of the airport has been a controversial issue among residents and environmental groups.

In recent years, the airport has undergone several upgrades and expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building and the runway extension, to accommodate the growth in passenger numbers and the demand for more flights.

Luton Airport 

Luton Airport is an international airport located in Luton, Bedfordshire, England, around 30 miles (48 km) north of central London. It is the fifth-busiest airport in the United Kingdom, handling around 18 million passengers annually. The airport is a significant base for budget airlines such as EasyJet and Ryanair, and it also serves as a hub for other airlines such as Wizz Air and TUI Airways.

Luton has one terminal which has undergone several expansions and renovations over the years. The airport is known for its focus on low-cost and charter flights and a cargo terminal. It has a long history, opening as an aerodrome in the 1930s and becoming a civilian airport in the 1950s. Luton Airport has faced criticism for its environmental impact and noise pollution, and the potential expansion of the airport has been a controversial issue among residents and environmental groups. 

Despite this, Luton Airport remains a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers looking for a convenient option to reach London and other destinations.

Southend Airport 

Southend Airport, also known as London Southend Airport, is a regional airport located in Rochford, Essex, England, around 35 miles (56 km) east of central London. It is a smaller airport, handling around 2 million passengers annually. The airport is a base for a few airlines like Ryanair and TUI Airways, and it also serves as a hub for several other airlines, providing flights to destinations across Europe and the UK. 

Southend Airport has one terminal, which has undergone significant expansion and modernisation in recent years, including the construction of a new terminal building, a new control tower, and an extended runway. The airport is known for its convenient location, proximity to the city centre, and efficient and modern facilities. Southend Airport is also a popular option for general aviation, and it has a large flying school. 

Despite its small size, Southend Airport has been consistently ranked among the best airports in Europe for passenger satisfaction, and it’s considered an excellent alternative to London’s major airports.

Contact We Drive Global For London Airport Transfers Today

Airports in London can be daunting for those who have never been before. With this guide, you should feel confident and prepared the next time you travel through one of these airports. 

If you’re looking for a chauffeur service to help make your travel plans even smoother, look no further than We Drive Global. 

Our team of professional drivers are knowledgeable about the ins and outs of all major London airports, and we would be more than happy to help get you to your destination safely and on time. 

Contact us today to learn more about our services or to book your ride.

  • Prince
  • January 24, 2023
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