When it comes to connectivity, few cities can rival London, England. As the capital of the United Kingdom and one of the most globalized cities in the world, London is served by six international airports, each catering to millions of travellers annually. These airports not only make London a major hub for international travel but also handle an impressive proportion of the UK's overall air traffic.
London’s Six International Airports
The six airports serving London each have unique roles and offerings. Here’s a quick overview:
- LHR – Heathrow Airport: London’s largest and busiest airport, Heathrow is a global aviation powerhouse. With world-class facilities and connections to major cities worldwide, it served an astounding 79.1 million passengers in 2023.
- LGW – Gatwick Airport: Known for its convenience and efficiency, Gatwick is London’s second-largest airport. It welcomed 40.9 million passengers in 2023, offering a mix of short-haul and long-haul flights.
- STN – Stansted Airport: As a key hub for low-cost carriers, Stansted handled 27.9 million passengers in 2023, connecting travellers to various European destinations.
- LTN – Luton Airport: Popular with budget travellers, Luton saw 16.4 million passengers in 2023, serving mostly European routes.
- LCY – London City Airport: Located in London’s financial district, London City Airport caters to business travellers. Despite its smaller size, it managed 3.4 million passengers in 2023.
- SEN – Southend Airport: The smallest of London’s airports, Southend handled 146,072 passengers in 2023. It focuses on regional and seasonal flights.
2023 Passenger Traffic at London Airports
The infographic reveals the passenger traffic through London’s airports in 2023 (as reported by the UK's Civil Aviation Authority):
- LHR Heathrow: 79,149,042
- LGW Gatwick: 40,894,242
- STN Stansted: 27,951,116
- LTN Luton: 16,399,866
- LCY London City: 3,429,684
- SEN Southend: 146,072
London’s Role in UK Air Travel
A gauge chart in the infographic emphasizes London’s dominance in UK air travel. London’s airports collectively handled 168 million passengers in 2023, representing an impressive 62% of the UK’s total air traffic of 272.8 million passengers.
A Global Leader in Connectivity
The infographic also highlights London Heathrow’s global status. In 2023, Heathrow was the fourth busiest airport in the world, trailing only Atlanta (ATL), Dubai (DXB), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). This underscores London’s significance as a leading destination and transit hub.
Share the Infographic
London’s airports are vital to its status as a global city. Share this infographic to highlight their impact and encourage discussions about air travel in the UK and beyond.
Celebrate London’s Airports with YHM Designs
Are you a frequent flyer or a fan of London? Celebrate your love for the city and travel with airport code merchandise from YHM Designs! From LHR to LGW and beyond, explore our collection of hats, mugs, pillows, and totes featuring iconic airport codes. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts and globetrotters alike.
Discover the full collection at YHM Designs.
How to cite:
Source: UK Civil Aviation Authority. Illustration by YHM Designs.