London is served by several major airports, each with its own unique history and development. Here’s a summary of the history of the key airports:

1. Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Opened: 1946

History:

• Originally developed in the 1930s as a small airfield named Great West Aerodrome, it was privately owned and used for military aircraft during World War II.
• In 1946, Heathrow was opened to civilian air traffic, becoming London Airport, and it quickly expanded due to the increasing demand for international travel. In 1966, it was renamed Heathrow Airport, after the nearby hamlet of Heath Row.
• By the 1950s, Heathrow was already one of the busiest airports in the world, and major expansions occurred throughout the following decades. Terminal 3 opened in 1961 (originally called the Oceanic Terminal), Terminal 4 in 1986, and Terminal 5 in 2008.
• Heathrow has been consistently upgraded, including new runways, terminal expansions, and improvements to accommodate larger aircraft like the Airbus A380.

Today: Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK and one of the busiest in the world, serving over 80 million passengers annually before the pandemic.

2. Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Opened: 1958 (as a commercial airport)

History:

• Gatwick started as a private airfield in the 1930s and was used for military purposes during World War II. It became the first airport in the world to have a direct train link to the city when a rail connection to Victoria Station in London was opened in 1958.
• The airport was transformed in the 1950s into a commercial hub with the opening of the Beehive terminal, which was innovative for its time, offering passengers access to boarding gates through a circular concourse.
• In the following decades, Gatwick became a significant hub for charter flights and budget airlines, competing with Heathrow for low-cost and regional carriers.
• Gatwick’s South Terminal was opened in 1958, followed by the North Terminal in 1988.

Today: Gatwick is the UK’s second busiest airport and serves a wide range of international and domestic flights. It is a hub for budget airlines and charter services, and although smaller than Heathrow, it remains one of the busiest single-runway airports in the world.

3. London Stansted Airport (STN)

Opened: 1991 (as a major commercial airport)

History:

• Originally built during World War II as a military airfield, Stansted was used as a bomber base for the US Air Force.
• After the war, the airport continued as a military and cargo base until the 1980s when it was redeveloped for civilian use to accommodate the growing demand for low-cost flights.
• In 1991, a new terminal designed by the famous architect Norman Foster was opened, marking its transformation into a major commercial airport. It became a hub for low-cost airlines, particularly Ryanair and easyJet, making it an essential airport for budget travelers.
• Over time, Stansted has expanded its facilities and is now an important gateway for passengers traveling to European destinations.

Today: Stansted is London’s third-largest airport and a major hub for low-cost carriers, serving mostly European destinations.

4. London Luton Airport (LTN)

Opened: 1938

History:

• Luton was opened in 1938 as Luton Municipal Airport, initially serving as a base for aircraft manufacturing during World War II.
• After the war, Luton returned to civilian use, with a focus on charter and holiday flights, especially as the post-war boom in air travel took off.
• In the 1970s and 1980s, Luton became known as a base for charter airlines, and it has since evolved into a hub for low-cost carriers like easyJet, which was founded at Luton in 1995.
• Luton has undergone significant expansion over the years, including terminal upgrades to support its growing role in the low-cost air travel market.

Today: Luton is known for its role as a base for budget airlines, particularly for European destinations. It is one of the fastest-growing airports in the UK.

5. London City Airport (LCY)

Opened: 1987

History:

• London City Airport was developed in the 1980s to provide a convenient airport for business travelers traveling to and from the heart of London. It was built in the Docklands area, an urban redevelopment zone in East London.
• Due to its location, the airport has a short runway, which limits the size of aircraft that can operate there. However, its proximity to Canary Wharf and the City of London has made it incredibly popular with business travelers.
• Over the years, the airport has expanded its services, and although it primarily focuses on short-haul and business routes, it also offers some long-haul destinations thanks to the introduction of aircraft designed for short take-offs and landings (such as Airbus A220 and Embraer jets).

Today: London City Airport remains the preferred airport for business travelers due to its proximity to central London and its efficient, streamlined passenger experience.

6. London Southend Airport (SEN)

Opened: 1935 (as a municipal airport)

History:

• Southend Airport started as a municipal airport in the 1930s and became an important base for RAF fighter squadrons during World War II.
• After the war, Southend developed into a major airport for holiday flights, especially to destinations in Europe during the 1960s and 1970s.
• The airport’s popularity waned as larger airports like Gatwick and Stansted expanded, but it saw a resurgence in the 2010s after investment in new terminals and better train links to London.
• In 2012, Stobart Group acquired Southend Airport and made significant investments in its infrastructure, re-establishing it as a viable alternative for low-cost carriers.

Today: London Southend is a small airport that serves European destinations, and it’s often favored by passengers looking for a quieter, less congested airport with quick access to central London via train.

Summary of London Airports:

• Heathrow (LHR): Largest and busiest airport, major international hub.
• Gatwick (LGW): Second-largest, known for budget and charter flights.
• Stansted (STN): Key hub for low-cost carriers, primarily European destinations.
• Luton (LTN): Focused on low-cost flights, especially to European cities.
• London City (LCY): Business-focused airport with short-haul flights close to central London.
• Southend (SEN): Smaller airport serving mainly European holiday destinations.

Each airport has developed to meet different travel needs, from business travelers to budget holidaymakers, offering diverse options for both domestic and international flights.