The two major airports serving London are Heathrow and Gatwick. They both have different strengths and drawbacks, so it can be difficult to decide which one to use. This article will compare and contrast the two airports, to help make your decision easier.
What is Heathrow Airport?
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 75 million passengers each year. Located just outside of London, Heathrow is the main hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. The airport has four terminals and is currently undergoing a major expansion project to add a fifth terminal.
Heathrow is also home to a massive cargo operation and handles over 1.6 million tonnes of cargo each year. In addition to passenger and cargo flights, Heathrow also supports a large number of private and general aviation flights. With over 800 flights departing each day, Heathrow is one of the busiest airports in the world.
What is Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick Airport is an airport located in West Sussex, England which serves as a hub for EasyJet, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Gatwick Connect, and more. The airport has two terminals, North and South, which are connected by a Gatwick Express train. Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in the United Kingdom after Heathrow Airport. In 2017, the airport handled a total of 46,461,537 passengers. Gatwick Airport has been voted the best airport in Europe 6 times byWhich? magazine and has also received the Skytrax World Airport Award for Best Airport Staff in Europe.
Difference between Heathrow and Gatwick Airport
- Heathrow and Gatwick Airport are the two busiest airports in the United Kingdom. Heathrow is located in West London, while Gatwick is located in South London. Heathrow is the larger of the two airports, with four terminal buildings and two runways.
- Gatwick Airport has two terminal buildings and one runway. Heathrow is also the busiest airport in Europe, handling over 80 million passengers each year.
- In contrast, Gatwick Airport handles around 50 million passengers annually. Both Heathrow and Gatwick offer a wide range of domestic and international flights, but Heathrow is better connected to long-haul destinations. Heathrow also has a more extensive range of shopping and dining options for passengers.
Conclusion
The two airports serve different purposes and cater to different types of passengers. If you are looking for a more relaxed airport experience, Gatwick is the better option. However, if you need to be near London or want more luxury amenities, Heathrow is the better choice. In the end, it all comes down to what you are looking for in an airport experience.
