An Overview of London Airports

London is located at the center of Europe and serves as hub for destinations in Europe, US and destinations in different parts of the world. Heathrow was opened in 1929 and is located 14 miles west of Central London heathrow to gatwick airport transfer.

The LHR has 5 terminals and 3 runways and is UK’s largest and busiest airport. London Heathrow is owned and managed by BAA Limited. The LHR serves over 90 airlines operating flights to more than 170 global destinations. Heathrow is the primary hub of BMI and British Airways.

Gatwick was opened in the 1920s and is located about 28.4 miles south of Central London. The LGW has 2 terminals namely North and South and 1 runway and is UK’s second largest and busiest airport next to London Heathrow.

London Gatwick is operated by Gatwick Airport Limited and operates the world’s busiest single use runway. The LGW serves over 60 airlines operating flights to different global destinations. Gatwick Airport is mainly home to charter flights and budget airlines.

Stansted was opened in 1943 and is located about 30 miles northeast of Central London. The Stansted has 1 terminal and is UK’s third largest and busiest airport. London Stansted is owned by BAA Limited and operated by Stansted Airport Limited. The STN serves over 21 airlines operating flights to different global destinations. Stansted is primarily home to many low cost carriers.

Luton was opened in 1938 and is located about 35 miles north of Central London. The airport has 1 terminal and 1 runway and is UK’s fourth largest and busiest airport. London Luton is owned by Luton Borough Council and operated by London Luton Airport Operations Ltd.

The airport serves 9 passenger airlines and 5 cargo airlines serving 60 worldwide destinations. Luton Airport serves mainly European destinations along with some charter flights to Asian and North American destinations.

London City Airport was opened in 1986 and is located about 6.9 miles east of the City of London. The airport has 1 runway and is the smallest of all London airports.

It’s the fifth busiest airport in London and serves mainly the financial district of London. The airport is jointly owned by GIP (75%) and Highstar Capital (25%) and is operated by London City Airport Ltd. The airport serves 11 airlines operating to different destinations.

All London Airports have good transportation and accommodation options. London Travel is interesting.

Presently, nearly 100 airline fly from Gatwick to in excess of 200 destinations and they are looking to increase both of these to meet the passenger numbers projected. European countries and internal flights account for the bulk of the destinations and it is expected that more long haul destinations will be added.

Gatwick is able to offer the following parking solutions to its customers. The majority of travellers are familiar with parking at the airport where both long and short stay car parks are available.

Short stay car parking is to be found in the multi storey car parks adjacent to each terminal and should only be used for stays of less than 24 hours because the charges are astronomical. Pre booking will help you save money when using the long stay car parks.

The most convenient way to park at Gatwick is a Meet and Greet but this does come at a price. Just drive to the airport and drop off your car at a designated location near to your departure terminal where you will be met and your car taken to a secure location. On your return your car will be waiting for you close to the arrivals terminal.

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