International airports in the UK are among the busiest and most important in the world, serving as gateways for millions of travelers who arrive for tourism, business, education, and cultural exploration. With its global influence, historic landmarks, world-class universities, and thriving economy, the UK attracts visitors from across every continent, and its airports provide vital connectivity to destinations in Europe, North America, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. From London Heathrow, which ranks as one of the world’s busiest airports, to Manchester, Edinburgh, and Belfast, the UK’s aviation infrastructure plays a central role in global travel, making the country one of the most well-connected hubs on the planet. Let’s highlight the full list of International airports in the UK and their locations.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- List of International Airports in the UK
- Major International Airports in the UK
- Accessibility and Transportation
- Role of Airports in UK Tourism and Economy
- Top 10 Busiest Airports in the UK
- Airlines and Global Connectivity
- International Airports in the UK by Country
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions on UK airports
List of International Airports in the UK
The United Kingdom has over 20 international airports that serve both long-haul and short-haul destinations. Below is a table listing the most important ones:
| Airport Name | City | Country |
|---|---|---|
| London Heathrow Airport (LHR) | London | England |
| London Gatwick Airport (LGW) | London | England |
| Manchester Airport (MAN) | Manchester | England |
| London Stansted Airport (STN) | London | England |
| London Luton Airport (LTN) | London | England |
| Birmingham Airport (BHX) | Birmingham | England |
| Bristol Airport (BRS) | Bristol | England |
| Newcastle International Airport (NCL) | Newcastle | England |
| Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) | Liverpool | England |
| Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) | Leeds/Bradford | England |
| East Midlands Airport (EMA) | Derby/Nottingham | England |
| Edinburgh Airport (EDI) | Edinburgh | Scotland |
| Glasgow Airport (GLA) | Glasgow | Scotland |
| Aberdeen Airport (ABZ) | Aberdeen | Scotland |
| Inverness Airport (INV) | Inverness | Scotland |
| Cardiff Airport (CWL) | Cardiff | Wales |
| Belfast International Airport (BFS) | Belfast | Northern Ireland |
| George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) | Belfast | Northern Ireland |
| Derry Airport (LDY) | Derry | Northern Ireland |
Major International Airports in the UK
1. London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow is the largest and busiest airport in the UK, handling over 70 million passengers annually. It is a major global hub for long-haul travel, particularly to North America, Asia, and the Middle East, and serves as the primary hub for British Airways.
2. London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Gatwick, located south of London, is the second busiest airport in the UK. It caters to both full-service airlines and budget carriers, making it a popular option for both international and European travelers.
3. Manchester Airport (MAN)
Manchester is the busiest airport outside of London and an important hub for northern England. It offers a wide range of transatlantic and European connections, making it vital for business and tourism in the region.
4. London Stansted Airport (STN)
Stansted is a major base for low-cost airlines, particularly Ryanair. It provides an extensive network of European and Mediterranean destinations, making it one of the fastest-growing airports in the UK.
5. London Luton Airport (LTN)
Luton is another London-area airport that focuses heavily on low-cost carriers such as EasyJet and Wizz Air, offering routes to Europe and parts of North Africa.
6. Birmingham Airport (BHX)
Serving the Midlands, Birmingham Airport provides direct connections to European cities as well as long-haul destinations in Asia and North America.
7. Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Edinburgh is Scotland’s busiest airport and the sixth busiest in the UK overall. It connects Scotland to destinations across Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
8. Glasgow Airport (GLA)
Glasgow International is Scotland’s second busiest airport, offering extensive services to Europe, North America, and holiday destinations around the Mediterranean.
9. Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Belfast International is the largest airport in Northern Ireland, providing connections to mainland Europe and transatlantic destinations.
10. Cardiff Airport (CWL)
As the main airport for Wales, Cardiff offers both European and long-haul flights, supporting tourism and business across the country.
Accessibility and Transportation
UK airports are well connected to their cities through a mix of trains, underground metro systems, buses, and motorways. Heathrow is directly linked to central London by the Heathrow Express and the London Underground, while Gatwick and Stansted have express train services to the capital. Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh airports also offer rail links, making domestic and international transfers efficient.
Role of Airports in UK Tourism and Economy
Airports in the UK are vital for supporting tourism, which is one of the country’s largest industries. Millions of travelers arrive each year to explore landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle, and Giant’s Causeway. Airports also support the UK’s position as a leading global business hub, particularly in London’s financial district, Manchester’s industries, and Scotland’s oil sector. Additionally, the aviation sector contributes significantly to employment and trade.
Top 10 Busiest Airports in the UK
| Rank | Airport | Passengers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | London Heathrow (LHR) | 70+ million |
| 2 | London Gatwick (LGW) | 45+ million |
| 3 | Manchester (MAN) | 29+ million |
| 4 | London Stansted (STN) | 28+ million |
| 5 | London Luton (LTN) | 18+ million |
| 6 | Edinburgh (EDI) | 15+ million |
| 7 | Birmingham (BHX) | 13+ million |
| 8 | Glasgow (GLA) | 9+ million |
| 9 | Belfast International (BFS) | 6+ million |
| 10 | Bristol (BRS) | 6+ million |
Airlines and Global Connectivity
The UK is home to British Airways, its flag carrier, as well as Virgin Atlantic, EasyJet, and Ryanair. These airlines, along with international carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Delta, Lufthansa, and Air France, provide extensive connections to every major continent. Budget airlines also make the UK a central hub for affordable European travel.
READ ALSO: List of Airlines in UK: International and Domestic Airlines
International Airports in the UK by Country
- England: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Stansted, Luton, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, Liverpool, Leeds Bradford, East Midlands.
- Scotland: Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness.
- Wales: Cardiff.
- Northern Ireland: Belfast International, Belfast City, Derry.
This regional spread ensures comprehensive connectivity across the UK, giving travelers multiple options no matter their destination.
DISCOVER ALSO: Domestic Airports in the UK: Complete List and Their Role in Aviation
Conclusion – List of International airports in the UK
International airports in the UK are essential to maintaining the country’s status as a global hub for travel, commerce, education, and culture. With London Heathrow as one of the busiest airports in the world and a wide network of regional airports across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the UK ensures smooth connections for both short-haul and long-haul travelers. Whether for business, tourism, or academic purposes, the country’s airports provide world-class facilities and efficient transport links, making the UK one of the most accessible destinations in Europe and the world.
SEE ALSO: Cheapest Cities in the UK for Students to Live and Study
Frequently Asked Questions – List of International Airports in the UK
1. How many international airports are in the UK?
The UK has more than 20 international airports, with the busiest being London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
2. Which is the busiest international airport in the UK?
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the busiest in the UK and one of the busiest in the world, handling over 70 million passengers annually.
3. What are the main international airports in London?
London has six major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend, with Heathrow and Gatwick serving most long-haul routes.
4. Which airport is best for traveling to Northern England?
Manchester Airport (MAN) is the best option for travelers heading to Northern England, offering extensive domestic, European, and long-haul connections.
5. Does Scotland have international airports?
Yes, Scotland has several international airports, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Inverness, with Edinburgh being the busiest.
6. Which airport should I use for Wales?
Cardiff Airport (CWL) is the main international airport in Wales, offering flights to Europe and seasonal long-haul destinations.
7. What airports serve Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is served by Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport, and City of Derry Airport.
8. What airlines operate from UK international airports?
The UK is home to British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, EasyJet, and Ryanair, alongside many global airlines such as Emirates, Delta, Qatar Airways, and Lufthansa.
9. How is public transportation connected to UK airports?
Most major airports are connected by express trains, metro systems, and buses. For example, Heathrow has the Heathrow Express and Underground links, while Gatwick and Stansted have express train services to London.
10. Are UK airports good for connecting flights?
Yes, UK airports—especially London Heathrow and Gatwick—are major global transit hubs, making them excellent for connecting flights to Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.