The United Kingdom's airports play a crucial role in connecting passengers both domestically and internationally. In 2023, the ten busiest airports in the UK accounted for a significant 89% of the country's total air passenger traffic, handling 241.6 million passengers out of a total of 272.8 million.
Top 10 Busiest Airports in the United Kingdom
Here’s a look at the ten busiest airports across the UK according to the CAA, along with their 2023 passenger traffic:
- LHR Heathrow: 79,149,042 passengers
- LGW Gatwick: 40,894,242 passengers
- MAN Manchester: 28,077,659 passengers
- STN Stansted: 27,951,116 passengers
- LTN Luton: 16,399,866 passengers
- EDI Edinburgh: 14,395,463 passengers
- BHX Birmingham: 11,479,335 passengers
- BRS Bristol: 9,911,879 passengers
- GLA Glasgow: 7,355,987 passengers
- BFS Belfast: 5,956,888 passengers
London's Airports: A Global Hub
London, the bustling capital of the UK, is served by six major international airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), and Southend (SEN). Together, these airports handled an impressive 62% of the UK's total air passenger traffic in 2023.
Airports Across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales
The UK is made up of diverse regions, each with key airports that serve millions of passengers. While England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are represented in the top ten, the busiest airport in Wales is Cardiff International Airport (CWL), which handled 837,000 passengers in 2023.
Celebrate UK Airports with Airport Code Merchandise
Whether you’re a frequent traveller or a fan of aviation, explore airport code merchandise from YHM Designs, featuring a collection of products celebrating airports like Heathrow, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and more. From hats and mugs to throw pillows, it’s the perfect way to show off your love for the UK’s iconic air hubs!
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We encourage you to share this infographic and spread the word about the UK’s busy airport scene. Don’t forget to include attribution!
Discover the full collection of airport code merchandise by YHM Designs at YHM Designs.
How to cite:
Source: caa.co.uk. Illustration by YHM Designs.