THE best airports in the UK have been revealed – and I’m not surprised my local took the top spot.
When it comes to making a good airport, it comes down to a number of elements, from fast security to a good range of shops and food areas.
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So when the 2025 Travel Industry Awards (TIA) named Gatwick Airport as the best in UK and Ireland, it further proved to me why my airport beats the others.
Being just over an hour by car on a good day, the airport is one you will most likely find me at at least once a month.
This isn’t just because my job requires me to travel so much, but because of the huge range of flight destinations it offers.
I’ve been to Singapore from London Gatwick, as well as to Cape Verde and Senegal, and hopped over for short city breaks to the Algarve, Madrid and even Marrakech.
Later this month I will even be heading to Peru via Gatwick Airport, thanks to an easy connection in Spain.
Most people think you have to brave the mega London Heathrow Airport to go further afield, but I will always head to Gatwick if I can.
Of course, even more routes are in the airport’s future after the go-ahead was given to build the £2.2billion second runway, which will welcome millions more passengers a year.
While new destinations have not been announced ahead of the 2029 opening, it could see the addition of even more long-haul routes, particularly to Asia and Africa.
Missing from London Gatwick compared to London Heathrow include destinations such as Seoul in South Korea and Tokyo in Japan – two trending cities at the moment – as well as South American countries like Brazil and Argentina.
But it’s not just the flight options that make it my favourite, as well as my local.
There is something slightly fun about hopping on the free shuttle between terminals, when you arrive at South and suddenly realise you need to be at North.
I always see kids eagerly hop on the front carriage, looking out on the monorail whizzing the two minutes between terminals.
Even at security, I have never faced long queues, and am often through in just minutes.
While I’m aware this isn’t always the case especially in the peak summer holidays, I’m always left fairly chagrined after leaving the recommended three hours before a flight, only to find myself with 2hr55 to kill…
But once through, the easy navigation of the terminal means I now have my routine.
There is something to be said about a straight-forward terminal, having often been lost in others abroad when they are sprawling and confusing.
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First, I head straight to the many water fountains to fill up the water bottle I was forced to empty at security.
(Not for much longer, however, thanks to new rules being introduced regarding the scrapping of liquid rules).
I then head straight to the Boots, picking up the classic forgotten items as well as the same Meal Deal option (you’re doing it wrong unless you get the Korean rice bowl, Hula Hoops and CBD drink – its the best for flights if you have a weak stomach).
After a stop to pick up a book at the WHSmiths, depending on the company I’m with I’ll either pick up my Pret coffee and find a bench, or get that much-wanted early morning prosecco with friends at the airport Wetherspoons.
Save your money for magazines as well – Gatwick nearly always has free ones when you’re heading to your gate from Evening Standard to Stylist.
And even if you have an super early flight, the airport has some of the best on-site hotels that don’t break the bank.
There is the YOTELAIR, with spaceship like rooms right by the terminal shuttle for around £105 a night.
Or right by security is Bloc, which starts from £96 a night and even gives you complimentary Fast Track Security if you sign up to their free hotel scheme.
And just steps from the terminal outside is the Premier Inn, the largest in the UK (and one I have already previously raved about).
Following the award, TIA judges explained: “Strong examples of innovation and superb customer service makes this airport worthy of award-winner status.
Top 15 busiest airports in the UK
Here are the 15 busiest airports in the UK by passenger numbers in 2023
- London Heathrow – 79.2 million
- London Gatwick – 40.9 million
- Manchester – 28.1 million
- London Stansted – 28.0 million
- London Luton – 16.4 million
- Edinburgh – 14.4 million
- Birmingham – 11.5 million
- Bristol – 9.9 million
- Glasgow – 7.4 million
- Belfast International – 6.0 million
- Newcastle – 4.8 million
- Liverpool – 4.2 million
- Leeds Bradford – 4.0 million
- East Midlands – 3.9 million
- London City – 3.4 million
“Despite its long-established position, it is still not failing to innovate, while keeping an eye on ensuring its customers receive top-notch service, as well as supporting travel agent partners.”
Airport travel is never fun – but as someone who goes away more than ten times a year, Gatwick makes it that bit more bearable.
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