Flying from the UK? Whether you’re jetting off for a holiday or on a business trip, the airport experience can make or break your journey. Here’s a list of airports in the UK from the best (and worst) airports based on passenger satisfaction, accessibility, services, and overall efficiency.
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When planning a trip, the choice of airport can greatly influence your journey’s ease, comfort, and overall enjoyment. From efficient security to luxurious lounges, the UK’s airports offer a diverse range of experiences. In this guide, we rank the top airports in the UK.
1. London Heathrow (LHR) – ⭐ Best Overall for International Travel and Luxury
London Heathrow consistently ranks as the best airport in the UK and is one of the busiest in the world, connecting passengers to over 200 destinations globally. Its size, range of amenities, and world-class facilities make it a top choice, particularly for long-haul travelers.
Heathrow is home to five terminals, each with its own unique offerings, from Michelin-starred restaurants to luxury boutiques like Harrods and Burberry. For business travelers, the exclusive lounges offer a relaxing pre-flight experience. However, its sheer size can be daunting, especially for first-timers.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Premium dining, luxury shopping, excellent lounge facilities, numerous direct international flights.
- Downsides: Can be overwhelming due to size, frequent delays during peak times, expensive parking options. Busy terminals and long queues during peak hours.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Long-haul travelers, luxury seekers, frequent flyers looking for world-class services.
- Excellent connectivity worldwide.
- Premium lounges and duty-free shopping.
2. Edinburgh Airport (EDI) – ⭐ Top for Convenience and Scottish Charm
Edinburgh Airport in Scotland is one of the busiest airports in the UK as well as one of the best-rated, praised for its user-friendly layout and quick, efficient service. Its recent expansions have added better transport connections and improved facilities, making it one of the UK’s top regional airports.
While not as large as Heathrow, Edinburgh still offers a solid range of European and international flights, and it’s known for being well-maintained, with friendly, helpful staff. It offers a great range of international and domestic flights while maintaining a comfortable, laid-back vibe.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Easy navigation, friendly staff, short wait times, good connections to Europe and North America. Smooth check-in and security process.
- Downsides: Limited long-haul flight options and fewer amenities compared to larger hubs. Limited transport links compared to major UK hubs.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Leisure travelers, Scottish residents, and tourists seeking hassle-free airport experiences.
3. London Gatwick (LGW) – ⭐ Best for Budget Flyers and Family Travel
Gatwick Airport stands out as one of the most efficient and popular airports for budget travelers. It offers a mix of low-cost airlines and premium carriers. With two terminals, the airport is simpler to navigate than Heathrow, and it offers plenty of family-friendly services, making it a great choice for family travel. Although Gatwick sees a large volume of passengers, its streamlined security process keeps things moving.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Great selection of low-cost flights, good for families, efficient security. Clear signage and compact terminals.
- Downsides: Fewer high-end amenities than Heathrow, limited long-haul options compared to bigger airports.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Budget-conscious travelers, families, those seeking hassle-free European trips.
4. Manchester Airport (MAN) – ⭐ Top Choice for Northern England
Manchester Airport is the largest in the North of England and serves as a major hub for international flights, particularly to Europe and the Middle East. Its three terminals offer a range of services, including restaurants, lounges, and shopping.
Although Manchester can get busy, it offers a solid alternative to Heathrow for northern residents. Recent investments have improved security and overall passenger flow, but it’s still criticized for occasional long waits and occasional delays during peak hours.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Strong international connections, good facilities, excellent for Northern UK travelers.
- Downsides: Security wait times can be long, and some parts of the airport feel dated.
- Who Should Fly From Here? International travelers in Northern England, business travelers to Europe and the Middle East.
5. Bristol Airport (BRS) – ⭐ Best for Regional and European Travel
Bristol Airport has gained popularity for its efficiency and charm. While smaller than some of the UK’s major airports, it offers an excellent range of flights to Europe, making it a favorite for holidaymakers. Known for its fast-moving queues and friendly staff, Bristol is one of the best-regarded regional airports in the UK. However, it lacks long-haul options and can get crowded during peak travel seasons.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Quick security processing, friendly staff, great for short European getaways.
- Downsides: Limited long-haul options, can feel overcrowded at busy times.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Holidaymakers flying to Europe, Southwest England residents.
6. London Luton Airport (LTN) – ⭐ Budget Champion, But Busy
Luton Airport is best known as a hub for low-cost carriers like easyJet and Ryanair. While ideal for budget-conscious flyers, Luton often suffers from overcrowding and a lack of seating in its departure areas.
The airport’s recent refurbishment has improved its layout, but many passengers still complain about long queues and dated facilities. Luton is best for those looking to save money on short-haul flights but willing to put up with basic facilities.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Extensive budget airline options, affordable parking.
- Downsides: Congested, limited dining and shopping options, crowded during peak times, with dated terminals..
- Who Should Fly From Here? Budget travelers, those flying on short European trips.
7. Birmingham Airport (BHX) – ⭐ Best for the Midlands
Birmingham Airport serves as the primary airport for the Midlands and offers a good range of both domestic and international flights. Although it has expanded in recent years, it still lacks the sophistication of larger airports.
Passengers often report long security waits and crowded terminal spaces, especially during peak travel times. Nevertheless, it remains a convenient option for travelers in the region.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Centrally located, a variety of international and domestic flights.
- Downsides: Overcrowding during peak times, Birmingham airport queues which are usually very long, and some outdated facilities.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Travelers from the Midlands looking for domestic and international options.
8. London Stansted (STN) – ⭐ Consistent But Basic
Stansted is a solid choice for budget travelers, especially those flying with Ryanair and other low-cost airlines. The airport has good transport links to London, making it a popular choice for European getaways.
However, Stansted’s limited services and long security lines can be frustrating for passengers. It’s great for quick, affordable trips but lacks the luxury feel of Heathrow or Gatwick.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Easy access to London, lots of budget airline options.
- Downsides: Long queues, basic amenities.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Budget-conscious travelers looking for cheap European flights.
9. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) – ⭐ Laid-back but Limited
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is a small, easy-to-navigate airport primarily serving European routes. While passengers enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, it lacks the range of destinations and amenities offered by larger airports. It’s a good choice for those looking for a hassle-free experience but not ideal for international long-haul flights.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Calm atmosphere, easy to navigate, convenient for northern residents.
- Downsides: Limited destinations, fewer amenities.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Travelers in northern England looking for European flights.
10. Belfast International (BFS) – ⭐ Vital but Outdated
As Northern Ireland’s main airport, Belfast International is crucial for connecting the region with Europe and North America. However, it often receives criticism for its outdated facilities and limited amenities. Despite recent improvements, many travelers reported to Fuse Chronicles that there are long queues and inadequate seating areas.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Essential hub for Northern Ireland, easy access.
- Downsides: Dated facilities, long waits.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Northern Ireland residents and travelers to Europe and North America.
11. London Southend (SEN) – ⭐ Small but Convenient
Southend is London’s smallest airport and ideal for those who want to avoid the hustle and bustle of the capital’s larger hubs. Its simplicity is a plus, but the range of flight options is limited.
For those looking to avoid the chaos of larger airports, Southend offers a much quieter, smoother experience. It’s ideal for short-haul European trips, with a simple layout that helps passengers get through security quickly. However, it’s one of the smallest airports in London, so options for long-haul flights are limited.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Stress-free travel, short queues.
- Downsides: Limited flight options and amenities.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Leisure travelers seeking a quiet, easy airport experience.
12. Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) – ⭐ Poor Layout, Needs Upgrades
Leeds Bradford ranks at the bottom due to its confusing layout, lack of amenities, and frequent delays. Though it serves the north of England, it’s often criticized for its outdated facilities.
Leeds Bradford consistently ranks low in passenger satisfaction. Complaints about its confusing layout, long queues, and limited facilities are common. Though it serves many northern cities, it lacks the level of comfort and ease that frequent flyers seek.
Why it’s great:
- Key Perks: Important for northern England. Serves important regional routes.
- Downsides: Poor design, long security waits, and limited dining options.
- Who Should Fly From Here? Northern travelers with few alternatives.
Conclusion
The question remains; “what is the best airport in the UK?” The answer isn’t that straightforward, because choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel experience. UK airports vary in services, accessibility, and user satisfaction. Heathrow Airport ranks as the best for international luxury travel, offering world-class amenities and exclusive lounges.
Edinburgh Airport is praised for convenience and Scottish charm, while Gatwick stands out for budget and family-friendly travel. Manchester Airport is the top choice for Northern England with strong international connections.
Bristol offers efficiency for European trips, and Luton is ideal for budget flyers despite overcrowding. Birmingham, Stansted, and Liverpool provide regional convenience but lack sophistication.
Belfast International, London Southend, and Leeds Bradford suffer from outdated or limited facilities. Each airport caters to different needs, from luxury to budget travel.
