list of airports in United Kingdom

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The United Kingdom boasts a robust network of airports, serving as vital gateways for both domestic and international travel. From bustling hubs handling millions of passengers annually to smaller regional airports connecting remote communities, the UK’s air infrastructure is diverse and efficient. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in the United Kingdom, helping you navigate your travel options with ease.

Major International Hubs

The UK’s primary international airports are renowned for their extensive route networks, frequent flights, and world-class facilities. These airports are the first point of entry for many visitors and the starting point for countless journeys abroad.

  • London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Consistently ranked among the busiest airports globally, Heathrow is a major hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, offering connections to destinations worldwide. It’s known for its excellent shopping and dining options, and efficient transfer services.

  • London Gatwick Airport (LGW): The UK’s second-busiest airport, Gatwick serves a wide range of airlines, particularly those offering leisure and low-cost travel. It’s a popular choice for travellers in the South East of England.

  • Manchester Airport (MAN): The busiest airport outside of London, Manchester provides extensive domestic, European, and long-haul connections. It’s a significant economic driver for the North West of England.

  • Edinburgh Airport (EDI): Scotland’s busiest airport, Edinburgh connects the country to destinations across the UK, Europe, and North America. It’s particularly popular during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Other Significant Airports

Beyond the major hubs, several other airports play a crucial role in the UK’s aviation network, offering a variety of services and destinations.

  • Birmingham Airport (BHX): Serving the Midlands region, Birmingham Airport offers a mix of short-haul and long-haul flights, with a focus on leisure travel.

  • Glasgow Airport (GLA): Scotland’s second-busiest airport, Glasgow provides connections to destinations throughout the UK and Europe.

  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Serving the South West of England and South Wales, Bristol Airport is a popular choice for low-cost carriers and holiday flights.

  • London Stansted Airport (STN): Primarily serving low-cost airlines like Ryanair, Stansted is a high-volume airport with a focus on European destinations.

  • London Luton Airport (LTN): Similar to Stansted, Luton is a popular base for budget airlines, offering a wide range of European routes.

Regional Airports: Connecting Communities

The UK’s regional airports are vital for connecting smaller towns and cities to the wider world. They often provide a more convenient and less crowded travel experience.

Here’s a table listing many of the airports in the United Kingdom, categorized by country and including key information:

Airport Name IATA Code City/Region Country Approximate Passenger Volume (Annual) Key Airlines
England
London Heathrow Airport LHR London England 61.6 million (2023) British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta
London Gatwick Airport LGW London England 27.1 million (2023) EasyJet, British Airways, Ryanair
Manchester Airport MAN Manchester England 25.8 million (2023) Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways
Birmingham Airport BHX Birmingham England 12.7 million (2023) Ryanair, EasyJet, TUI
London Stansted Airport STN London England 23.2 million (2023) Ryanair, EasyJet
London Luton Airport LTN London England 18.7 million (2023) EasyJet, Wizz Air
Bristol Airport BRS Bristol England 10.7 million (2023) EasyJet, Ryanair, TUI
Newcastle Airport NCL Newcastle upon Tyne England 4.3 million (2023) Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways
Liverpool John Lennon Airport LPL Liverpool England 4.7 million (2023) Ryanair, EasyJet
Leeds Bradford Airport LBA Leeds/Bradford England 3.2 million (2023) Jet2.com, Ryanair
East Midlands Airport EMA Nottingham/Derby/Leicester England 3.4 million (2023) Ryanair, Jet2.com
Southampton Airport SOU Southampton England 1.8 million (2023) Flybe, Eastern Airways
Scotland
Edinburgh Airport EDI Edinburgh Scotland 14.7 million (2023) British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair
Glasgow Airport GLA Glasgow Scotland 8.4 million (2023) British Airways, EasyJet, KLM
Aberdeen Airport ABZ Aberdeen Scotland 2.7 million (2023) Loganair, British Airways
Inverness Airport INV Inverness Scotland 0.7 million (2023) Loganair
Wales
Cardiff Airport CWL Cardiff Wales 1.6 million (2023) TUI, Ryanair
Northern Ireland
Belfast International Airport BFS Belfast Northern Ireland 2.8 million (2023) EasyJet, Ryanair
Belfast City Airport BHD Belfast Northern Ireland 2.5 million (2023) Flybe, Eastern Airways

Note: Passenger volumes are approximate and based on the latest available data (2023/early 2024). They can fluctuate.

This is not an exhaustive list, as the UK has numerous smaller airfields and airports catering to specific needs. However, it covers the most commonly used and significant airports across the country.

Navigating Airport Transfers & Accessibility

Most major UK airports are well-connected to their surrounding cities and towns via a variety of transport options, including:

  • Train: Many airports have dedicated train stations, providing a fast and convenient link to city centres.

  • Bus/Coach: Regular bus and coach services operate from airports to nearby towns and cities.

  • Taxi/Private Hire: Taxis and private hire vehicles are readily available at all airports.

  • Car Rental: Numerous car rental companies operate from airport locations.

Accessibility is also a priority for UK airports, with facilities in place to assist passengers with disabilities. These include wheelchair access, accessible toilets, and assistance with boarding and disembarking. It’s always advisable to contact the airport directly to discuss your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which is the busiest airport in the UK?
A: London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the busiest airport in the UK.

Q: What are the main airlines operating in the UK?
A: British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, and TUI are some of the main airlines.

Q: How can I find information about flight arrivals and departures?
A: You can find real-time flight information on the airport’s website or through flight tracking apps.

Q: Are there many regional airports in the UK?
A: Yes, the UK has a significant number of regional airports, connecting smaller communities.

Q: What is the best way to get from an airport to central London?
A: Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express trains are the fastest options, but the London Underground (Tube) and buses are more affordable.

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