Airports in and around London

Watercolour of London Heathrow Airport

London is served by a number of airports, making it one of the most accessible cities in the world by air. From the early days of pioneering flights to the vast global connections of today, aviation has played a major role in shaping modern London.

A Brief History of Aviation in London

The history of aviation in London began in the early 20th century. During World War I, several military airfields were established around the capital. As civil aviation emerged in the 1920s, Croydon Airport became the city's first major international airport, serving as London's main airport until the outbreak of World War II.

After the war, Heathrow (formerly a military airbase) was redeveloped into a commercial airport and opened in 1946. It quickly overtook Croydon in importance, becoming the UK's primary aviation hub. Over the following decades, other airports such as Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, and London City emerged to meet growing demand.

Map of Airports in and around London

London's Commercial Airports

The following airports currently serve commercial passenger flights to and from London. Each offers a unique role in connecting the capital with the UK, Europe, and the wider world:

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

GPS:
Location: Hillingdon, West London
Notes: Primary international gateway; extensive long-haul and short-haul destinations.

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

GPS:
Location: West Sussex, south of London
Notes: Second busiest airport; serves a wide range of European and long-haul destinations.

Stansted Airport (STN)

GPS:
Location: Essex, northeast of London
Notes: Major base for low-cost carriers, especially Ryanair.

Luton Airport (LTN)

GPS:
Location: Bedfordshire, northwest of London
Notes: Popular with budget airlines; serves mostly European destinations.

London City Airport (LCY)

GPS:
Location: Docklands, East London
Notes: Closest airport to central London; caters mainly to business travelers with short-haul European routes.

London Southend Airport (SEN)

GPS:
Location: Essex, east of London
Notes: A smaller airport that has seen fluctuating commercial activity; serves select European destinations.

The Oldest Airport

Croydon Airport: Opened in 1920, Croydon was London's first official airport for international flights. It was the main airport for London until the late 1940s. While no longer in operation, its terminal building still stands as a heritage site and museum, offering insight into early air travel.

The Biggest Airport

Heathrow Airport (LHR): Located to the west of central London, Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK and one of the busiest in the world by international passenger traffic. It has five terminals and serves as a major hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Disused/Decommissioned Airport

Croydon Airport: As mentioned, Croydon closed to commercial aviation in 1959. Its closure marked the end of an era but left a historical legacy, commemorated by its Grade II listed terminal and the preserved control tower.

List of Airports in the United Kingdom