London is a bustling city that attracts millions of tourists every year. The city has an extensive transportation network, which includes six airports.
Each airport serves a specific purpose and caters to different types of travelers. In this article, we’ll explore why London has six airports.
Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is the largest airport in London and the busiest airport in Europe. It handles over 80 million passengers annually and serves as a hub for many airlines. Heathrow is well-connected to London’s transport network, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers.
Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport is the second-largest airport in London and serves as a major base for low-cost airlines. It handles over 45 million passengers annually and offers flights to over 200 destinations worldwide. Gatwick also has good transport links to London, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport is located about 35 miles north-east of central London and is primarily used by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and easyJet. It handles around 28 million passengers annually and offers flights to over 170 destinations worldwide.
Luton Airport
Luton Airport is located about 30 miles north-west of central London and primarily serves low-cost airlines such as Wizz Air, Ryanair, and easyJet. It handles around 16 million passengers annually.
London City Airport
London City Airport is located in the heart of the city and primarily serves business travelers. It handles around five million passengers annually but has limited space for aircraft due to its location.
Southend Airport
Southend Airport is located about 40 miles east of central London and primarily serves low-cost airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair. It handles around two million passengers annually.
Why so many airports?
London’s six airports serve different purposes and cater to different types of travelers. Heathrow is the largest airport and serves as a hub for many airlines, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. Gatwick is primarily used by low-cost airlines, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.
Stansted and Luton are also used by low-cost airlines, but they are located further away from central London. This means that they may be less convenient for some travelers but can offer cheaper flights.
London City Airport is located in the heart of the city and primarily serves business travelers who need to get in and out of the city quickly. Southend Airport is located further away from central London but still offers low-cost flights.
In conclusion, London has six airports to cater to different types of travelers and provide convenient access to different parts of the world at varying price points. Whether you’re a business traveler or a budget-conscious tourist, there’s an airport in London that can cater to your needs.