The history of International airports in the United Kingdom

As modern day travellers, we often take International  airports and air travel for granted. In the past 25 years the industry has seen massive continuous growth, and the demand for passenger air travel, in particular, is forecast to increase from the current level of 236 million passengers to 465 million in 2030. Air travel is now seen as commonplace for both business and pleasure.

So how did it all begin?

The first UK International Airport

The first international airport in the UK was based in Croydon, London. Opened in the early 1900s and expanded during the 1920s, it was London’s first major international airport. It was also the country’s main airport prior to the construction of Northolt Aerodrome, London Heathrow Airport, and Gatwick Airport.

Things have changed quite a lot since those days, and the UK now has many international airports, including several in London alone.

Heathrow Airport

Located around 12 miles from Central London, London Heathrow is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom. In 2014, it handled a record 73.4 million passengers – a 1.4 percent increase from 2013. Every day at Heathrow, 1,400 flights take off and land – one every 45 seconds (nearly half a million per year!). A quarter of all exports from the UK to Brazil, Russia, India, and China go through Heathrow.

However, major renovations indicate that Gatwick could become the British airport of choice in the future. The staff at Airport World Magazine write:

“London Gatwick airport is currently undergoing the biggest transformation in its history, aiming to become the airport of choice, not only in London but in Europe.”

Stansted Airport

Another popular airport for Cachet clients is Stansted Airport. Located near the border of Essex, Stansted Airport offers ease of access via the M11 just north of London, enabling you to avoid the busy M25 route around London; a required route when travelling to Heathrow or Gatwick, and often a source of major delays.

Our airport transfer service

Cachet Cars run hundreds of journeys to and from Heathrow each year, dropping off and picking up clients. All of our drivers are able to track and monitor your flight using the high-spec mobile technology available in all of our cars. If a flight is running slightly early or has picked up a delay, we still ensure your chauffeur is there on time for you. This is all part of the Cachet experience, as one of our clients can confirm:

“I have used Cachet Cars now for over 7 years for business trips to and from the airport and for rest of my business. Whilst travelling extensively across Europe it is reassuring to know that the airport transfers are not a concern. This is true for me, but also my staff and visitors.”

Cachet Cars service all major UK airports. While Heathrow (LHR) receives the most visits, our executive airport transfer service also covers all the rest of major UK airports including Stansted (STN), Gatwick (LGW), London City Airport (LCY), Luton (LTN), Birmingham (BHX), and East Midlands Airport (EMA).

If there is an airport you need a drop-off or meet and greet from,  please contact us for a quote.