It’s that time again – the summer holidays have officially kicked off, and our airports feel busier than ever as families and travellers seeking a hit of Euro summer sunshine descend on the runways. However, understanding which airports are likely to be the most crowded can provide valuable insights for anyone desiring a more peaceful travel experience. Furthermore, it’s not surprising that many of the UK’s busiest airports for international passengers are located in London, with only one airport in the top five situated outside the capital city.
Conversely, when we consider the quietest airports, smaller regional airports, particularly those in locations that might be hard to access for most of the country, such as Norfolk or Cornwall, tend to experience lower passenger traffic. Below, find the top five busiest and top five quietest airports for international passengers in the UK, based on passenger data from 2023.
The Busiest Airports in the UK
The top five busiest airports in the UK remain unchanged from last summer – four (Luton, Stansted, Gatwick, and Heathrow) are located in London, while one major northern hub makes the list.
5. London Luton – 16,403,784 passengers in 2023
London Luton is the fifth busiest airport in the UK and is a favorite destination for last-minute city breaks. With services running from £10 via the Luton Airport Express between London St Pancras International and the airport, this hub becomes an ideal choice considering the cheap flights available. Therefore, it’s no surprise that over 13 million travellers passed through Luton in 2022. Look to Luton for underrated city breaks, such as a weekend trip to Lublin or Poznan in Poland or even a sunny escape to Nice, a beloved hideout in the south of France.
4. London Stansted – 27,951,291 passengers in 2023
London’s third major airport is competitive in passenger numbers, closely rivalled by Manchester. Notably, airport management has announced plans for terminal expansion which could increase capacity, further enhancing Stansted’s position among the busiest airports. Moreover, exciting new routes will be introduced, including direct flights between London Stansted and the Turkish capital, Ankara.
3. Manchester – 28,096,783 passengers in 2023
Manchester is the only airport outside London among the busiest five, welcoming just a few thousand more travellers than Stansted last year. This airport’s extensive scale and exceptional amenities make it suitable for a greater number of long-haul flights, making it an attractive alternative to Heathrow for those seeking tropical escapes. Since the start of 2023, post-Covid confidence in Manchester Airport has surged, with direct flights to mainland China, Las Vegas, and Cairo resuming.
2. London Gatwick – 40,897,656 passengers in 2023
Consistently holding a solid second place, Gatwick Airport is a significant hub with 47 airlines servicing 165 destinations. This airport has become a popular launch point for short-haul business travellers due to British Airways’ business class offerings and numerous lounge options. Additionally, Gatwick is increasingly attracting long-haul travellers with recently added routes to destinations like Aruba, Cape Town, and Vancouver.
1. London Heathrow – 79,180,434 passengers in 2023
It is no surprise that London Heathrow ranks as the busiest airport in the UK. Opened in 1955 and known for its involvement in pop culture moments, Heathrow remains a bustling hub for business travellers connecting to transatlantic flights. As such, hotels like Hilton, Premier Inn, Sofitel, and Radisson Blu are conveniently located near the terminals, catering to the needs of those travelling through this busy airport.
The Quietest Airports in the UK
The quietest airports in the UK are spread across the country, offering a significantly different travel experience.
5. Newquay/Cornwall – 408,870 passengers in 2023
Newquay Airport, the largest aviation hub in Cornwall, offers flights to 19 destinations with nine airline partners. This includes seven international destinations, while most routes connect Cornwall with other areas of the UK and Ireland, facilitating easier access to the best beaches in Cornwall for individuals from London, Geordie, and Dublin.
4. Norwich – 357,852 passengers in 2023
In 2023, Norwich Airport welcomed just under half a million passengers, making it the fourth quietest in Britain. It features amenities such as an executive lounge for business travellers, a bakery, a retail store, and a World Duty Free outlet, providing relative peace during off-peak times.
3. Teesside International Airport – 226,557 passengers in 2023
Teesside International Airport, located in County Durham, connects passengers to sought-after destinations such as Mallorca, Amsterdam, and Corfu. This airport also offers domestic flights to areas like Jersey and Aberdeen, although its location in the far north of England plays a role in its low passenger numbers.
2. Southend – 146,072 passengers in 2023
Despite being officially termed London Southend airport, this transport hub is located in Essex. Passengers can book flights to popular holiday destinations such as Pisa, Marrakech, Tenerife, and Paris, yet it remains one of the UK’s quietest airports with just under 150,000 passengers recorded in 2023.
1. Humberside – 136,976 passengers in 2023
Located in North Lincolnshire, Humberside serves residents of Grimsby, Hull, and Scunthorpe who are looking for their next break. As the UK’s quietest airport, it offers a limited number of destinations, yet passengers can breeze through security lines quickly, a luxury that those at Heathrow can only dream of.
