Achievers List

List of Top 10 Busiest Airports in the United Kingdom

PublishedApril 23, 2025

The United Kingdom is home to some of the busiest and most well-connected airports in the world, playing a pivotal role in both international and domestic air travel. From handling millions of passengers annually to acting as vital logistics and tourism hubs, UK airports continue to grow post-pandemic, driven by a recovering travel industry and infrastructure developments. Below, we explore the top 10 busiest airports in the UK based on 2024 passenger statistics, aircraft movements, and overall growth trends.

1. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Passengers (2024): 83.9 million
Aircraft Movements: 476,119
Growth from 2023: 5.9%

London Heathrow remains the crown jewel of UK aviation and the busiest airport by a significant margin. As one of the world’s major international transit hubs, Heathrow serves over 180 destinations globally. It is also the largest UK port by value, contributing enormously to national trade. The airport has seen a surge in post-pandemic travel, surpassing its 2019 peak and solidifying its position as a global aviation leader.

2. London Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Passengers (2024): 43.2 million
Aircraft Movements: 265,358
Growth from 2023: 5.8%

Gatwick Airport, located just 30 miles south of London, continues to be the UK’s second busiest airport. It serves both short-haul European destinations and long-haul flights, offering a mix of full-service and low-cost carriers. A proposed runway expansion could increase its capacity significantly, potentially making it a future rival to Heathrow in terms of traffic and service offerings.

3. Manchester Airport (MAN)

Passengers (2024): 30.8 million
Aircraft Movements: 196,473
Growth from 2023: 9.6%

Manchester Airport is the largest airport outside of London and the main international gateway for Northern England. Known for its strong links to the USA, Middle East, and Europe, Manchester continues to benefit from infrastructural investments such as the £1 billion Transformation Programme. This airport is a crucial contributor to the UK’s regional air connectivity and economy.

4. London Stansted Airport (STN)

Passengers (2024): 29.7 million
Aircraft Movements: 201,031
Growth from 2023: 6.2%

Stansted is the preferred choice for budget-conscious travelers, thanks to being a primary base for Ryanair and other low-cost carriers. The airport offers extensive coverage of European destinations and is a growing cargo hub. Its strategic importance lies in its affordability and accessibility from central London via express train services.

5. London Luton Airport (LTN)

Passengers (2024): 16.9 million
Aircraft Movements: 131,962
Growth from 2023: 3.3%

Another low-cost leader, London Luton Airport has become increasingly popular for both leisure and business travelers. Airlines like easyJet and Wizz Air dominate here, offering affordable options to a wide range of European destinations. The airport’s ongoing redevelopment projects aim to enhance passenger facilities and reduce delays.

6. Edinburgh Airport (EDI)

Passengers (2024): 15.8 million
Aircraft Movements: 120,406
Growth from 2023: 9.6%

Scotland’s busiest airport, Edinburgh continues to thrive due to its strong domestic and international connections. With major airlines expanding routes to North America and Europe, Edinburgh plays a vital role in supporting Scotland’s tourism and business sectors. The airport has also been proactive in sustainability initiatives, aiming to reduce its carbon footprint.

7. Birmingham Airport (BHX)

Passengers (2024): 12.8 million
Aircraft Movements: 94,130
Growth from 2023: 11.9%

Located in the heart of England, Birmingham Airport is key to serving the Midlands. It connects passengers to over 150 destinations and has grown significantly due to increasing demand and regional population growth. The addition of HS2 (high-speed rail) connectivity in the coming years is expected to further enhance its reach and efficiency.

8. Bristol Airport (BRS)

Passengers (2024): 10.6 million
Aircraft Movements: 78,595
Growth from 2023: 7.1%

Bristol Airport serves the South West of England and is vital for the region’s connectivity. It offers a broad mix of domestic and European destinations, especially favored for holiday travel. A long-term expansion plan is in place to increase passenger capacity while balancing environmental concerns raised by local communities.

9. Glasgow Airport (GLA)

Passengers (2024): 8.1 million
Aircraft Movements: 76,916
Growth from 2023: 9.6%

Glasgow Airport is Scotland’s second busiest and serves as a hub for both domestic flights and international tourism. Growth has been driven by enhanced transatlantic and Mediterranean routes. The airport also plays a role in business aviation and air freight for Western Scotland.

10. Belfast International Airport (BFS)

Passengers (2024): 6.8 million
Aircraft Movements: 60,480
Growth from 2023: 13.3%

Belfast International rounds out the top ten with the highest year-on-year growth rate among UK airports. Its rise is attributed to improved connections with Great Britain and popular European holiday spots. The airport’s importance lies in its role as a travel hub for Northern Ireland, promoting tourism and cross-border commerce.

Additional Insights

Infrastructure Investments: Across the UK, airports are undergoing modernization, runway extensions, and terminal enhancements to accommodate growing passenger numbers and larger aircraft.
Environmental Commitments: Sustainability is becoming central to operations, with several airports investing in electric ground vehicles, improved waste management, and carbon offset programs.
Regional Importance: While Heathrow and Gatwick dominate internationally, regional airports like Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh are essential for connecting the UK’s regions to the global economy.

Conclusion

The UK’s top 10 busiest airports form the backbone of the country’s air transportation network. From global giants like Heathrow to rapidly growing regional hubs like Belfast International, these airports not only facilitate millions of journeys annually but also play a vital role in trade, tourism, and economic development.

With increasing passenger demands and technological advances, UK airports are investing in a future that’s smarter, more connected, and more sustainable. As the aviation landscape evolves, these airports will continue to shape the travel experience for millions.

Image Credits- London Stansted Airport

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