London

Airports Serving London, United Kingdom

London Heathrow Airport, most commonly known as just plain Heathrow (LHR), is the busiest in the world in terms of international traffic. Located 14 miles west of Central London, it has six terminals, one of which is under construction. In the throes of upgrades and new construction, some inconvenience may occur, but the airport is doing its best to keep their passengers happy. Inter-terminal transport is available by bus or shuttle for those three terminals that are not within walking distance of each other. Heathrow is also testing the ULTra Personal Rapid Transport, which is a futuristic, battery-operated pod that will hold two adults, two children and their luggage, transporting them directly to the terminals. The initial trial is for 18 pods, but a successful test will result in an airport-wide adoption of this system. Public access is through an amazing train system, with departures every 15 minutes connecting the airport with all areas of London. Busses and coaches are readily available, as are taxis. Heathrow provides exceptional parking facilities and even accommodates bicyclists with free parking spaces.

London City Airport (LCY) is a single-runway airport for STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) airliners. This airport is linked to the Canary Wharf, London's newest financial district, and to the old district by way of Docklands Light Railway, also boasting an interchange to the London Underground. It is located a little under seven miles east of the city.

Gatwick Airport (LGW) is London's second largest airport. Located about 28 miles south of London, it is the world's busiest single-runway international airport. Many of the low-cost airlines, such as BMI, EasyJet, Atlas Blue, Flybe and Ryanair have frequently scheduled service into and out of Gatwick. Having a north and south terminal, there have been talks of a third. The south terminal airside lounge is undergoing some upgrades to add more retail space and viewing areas. Passengers are not being greatly effected.

London Luton Airport (LTN), a.k.a. Luton International Airport is located 35 miles north of London's city center. EasyJet, Monarch Airlines, Thomson Airways and Ryanair all have hubs here, so low-cost flights, especially to most European destinations are readily available. Flybe, Blue Air, Transavia and Wizz Air also operate out of Luton and some charter air companies offer intercontinental services. Ground transportation is available in the form of trains and busses, as well as by private vehicle.

London Stansted Airport (STN) is situated 30 miles north-east of central London. The hub for a number of European low-cost carriers, it is also an international airport. Stantsted's future is uncertain at this time. The current owner, BAA, may be forced to sell, due to the monopoly they hold on London airports, so expansion plans for the addition of another runway is on hold.