London is one of the most visited cities in the world, attracting millions of tourists from all corners of the globe each year. As a result, it has a well-developed transportation system that includes several international airports. In this article, we will explore how many international airports London has and where they are located.
What is an International Airport?
Before we dive into London’s international airports, let’s first understand what an international airport is. An international airport is an airport that offers customs and immigration facilities for passengers traveling between countries. It allows passengers to travel to and from different countries without having to change planes or go through passport control at each stopover.
How Many International Airports Does London Have?
London has six major airports, of which five are classified as international airports. These include:
- Heathrow Airport: Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK and handles more than 80 million passengers annually. It has four terminals and serves over 190 destinations worldwide.
- Gatwick Airport: Gatwick is the second-busiest airport in the UK and handles around 46 million passengers annually. It has two terminals and serves more than 200 destinations globally.
- Stansted Airport: Stansted is located in Essex, around 35 miles northeast of central London.
It serves around 28 million passengers annually and offers flights to over 170 destinations worldwide.
- Luton Airport: Luton is located around 35 miles north of central London and serves over 18 million passengers annually. It offers flights to more than 150 destinations worldwide.
- London City Airport: Located in East London, London City Airport primarily serves business travelers and handles around 5 million passengers annually. It offers flights to over 40 destinations worldwide.
Southend Airport:
Although Southend Airport is not officially classified as an international airport, it offers flights to several European destinations. It is located around 42 miles east of central London and serves over 1 million passengers annually.
Which Airport Should You Use?
The airport you choose to use largely depends on your destination and budget. Heathrow and Gatwick are the most popular airports due to their size, number of airlines, and destinations served. However, they can also be the most expensive options.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, Stansted, Luton, and Southend may be better choices. They are smaller airports that primarily serve low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet.
London City Airport is the best option if you’re traveling for business or need to get into central London quickly. However, it has a limited number of destinations compared to the other airports.
Conclusion
In conclusion, London has five major international airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City – along with Southend Airport that offers flights to several European destinations. Each airport has its advantages and disadvantages depending on your travel needs. So choose wisely before booking your next flight!