Airports in United Kingdom

George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) is a mere 3 miles (5km) from central Belfast, Northern Ireland’s largest city (second only to Dublin in size). The airport was renamed in 2006 in honour of George Best, the legendary footballer from Belfast, who played for Manchester United.

Flights to George Best Belfast City Airport arrive from the UK and major cities in France and Spain. Annually, the airport sees more than 3 million passengers.

Despite the small size of the airport (a single runway) the airport is well-kept and efficient and staff are friendly. However, the parking here is notoriously expensive so use the public transport options if possible. 

Belfast International Airport is situated just 13 miles (21km) northwest of Belfast, Northern Ireland’s capital. It’s Ireland’s second-busiest airport, after Dublin. The airport is the gateway to Northern Ireland and Belfast, a city steeped in a rich and once troubled history.

Belfast International Airport was originally named the Aldergrove Airport after a nearby village. In 1983, it became Belfast International Airport. With the passing of the Troubles, Belfast – and Northern Ireland – has been working hard to establish itself as a tourist destination.

One way of making its mark for tourists is by housing popular low-cost carriers such as Thomson Airways, Jet2.com, easyJet, Thomas Cook Airlines and Aer Lingus. Belfast is becoming increasingly popular as a weekend break and cheap flights to Belfast International Airport can be booked on most European carriers, but particularly on the low-cost airlines.

The Guardian/Observer Travel Awards placed Belfast in the top five best cities for a break. Belfast Airport is the ideal gateway to a relaxing and rewarding holiday in Northern Ireland.

London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the United Kingdom's second-busiest international airport in terms of passenger traffic. Despite its sizeable distance from central London – it is situated north of Crawley, about 28 miles (45km) from the capital's CBD – great transport links to and from the airport ensure that it remains an incredibly popular entry-point for visitors to the UK.

In fact, London Gatwick saw 31.3 million passengers in 2010, making it Europe's ninth-busiest airport, and the continent's leading airport for point-to-point flights. This impressive traffic is sure only to increase with the 2012 Olympic Games in London next summer.

Flights to London Gatwick Airport are offered by a variety of operators, including charter airlines such as Monarch and Thomson Airways, low-cost carriers such as easyJet and Flybe, and more established airlines, like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. The huge range of international destinations you can access from Gatwick is illustrated by the diversity of its seven most-popular flights: Malaga, Dublin, Orlando, Alicante, Faro, Dubai, and Geneva.

Glasgow International Airport (GLA) is located 8 miles (13km) southwest of Glasgow's city centre. It is the second-busiest airport in Scotland and one of the busiest in the UK with more than 6 million passengers using it each year. Almost 30 airlines are based there, a mix of traditional, budget and charter carriers.

The terminal has three piers: West (international), Central (domestic) and East (low-cost, Ireland and Scottish islands). A “Skyhub” was created in 2007, connecting the main terminal and terminal two, which created space for an extended duty-free shopping area.

The airport has seen some improvements in recent years and runs well, with security moving at a reasonable pace and shopping and dining options on the rise. Despite it being an international facility, the airport is still on the small side, so pack a book or charge your mobile if you expect to have a lot of time on your hands.

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom, and the fourth-busiest in the world, in terms of passenger traffic. However, Heathrow has the distinction of handling more international passengers than any other airport in the world – a testament to its importance as a transit-point for intercontinental travel.

Flights to Heathrow Airport are provided by an incredible 90 airlines, serving 180 destinations worldwide. Heathrow is home-base for British Airways, which operate direct and indirect flights to basically every major city you can think of, from Heathrow's beautiful, new Terminal 5 building.

London – a compelling, cosmopolitan city – certainly has an appropriate gateway in Heathrow Airport: a highly modern, convenient hub that is truly geared toward providing the best possible experience to travellers. Located 15 miles (24km) from central London, there are plenty of easy, hassle-free transport options available to travellers looking to get downtown. The flocks of tourists, who are no doubt going to descend on London for the 2012 Olympic Games, can look forward to a warm welcome and efficient service.