Airports in London
London is one of the busiest cities in the world, and its airports are no exception. The city has six main airports, each serving different destinations and catering to various airlines. These airports include Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend.
What is Gatwick Airport?
Gatwick Airport is one of the major airports in London, located in Crawley, West Sussex, England. It is the second-largest airport in the United Kingdom and the eighth busiest in Europe, serving over 46 million passengers annually. The airport has two terminals, North and South, and offers flights to hundreds of destinations across the globe.
Gatwick’s importance in London’s air traffic
Gatwick Airport plays a vital role in London’s air traffic, serving as a hub for many airlines such as British Airways, EasyJet, and TUI Airways. It also serves as a gateway to London for many tourists and business travelers. Gatwick’s location, in the south of London, makes it an attractive option for those traveling to destinations in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The history of Gatwick Airport
Gatwick Airport has a rich history, dating back to the 1920s when it was used as a racecourse. It officially opened as an airport in 1933, serving as a military airfield during World War II. After the war, Gatwick became a commercial airport, and in 1958, the Queen inaugurated the new terminal building. Since then, the airport has undergone several expansions and renovations to keep up with the growing demand for air travel.
IATA code – what is it?
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is a trade association of the world’s airlines that assigns a unique three-letter code to each airport worldwide. These codes are used for airline ticketing, baggage handling, and other airline-related operations.
The IATA code for Gatwick Airport
The IATA code for Gatwick Airport is LGW. This code is used by airlines and travel agencies to identify Gatwick when booking flights, checking in, or tracking baggage.
Why is the IATA code important?
The IATA code is essential for the smooth operation of airports and airlines worldwide. It helps eliminate confusion and errors in communication and ensures that passengers and their luggage are accurately tracked and transported to their destinations.
The difference between IATA and ICAO codes
While the IATA code identifies the airport for commercial purposes, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assigns a four-letter code to each airport, which is used for air traffic control and other aviation-related operations. The ICAO code is mainly used by pilots and air traffic controllers.
The ICAO code for Gatwick Airport
The ICAO code for Gatwick Airport is EGKK.
How to use airport codes when booking flights
When booking flights, it is essential to know the airport codes for your departure and destination airports. You can use these codes when searching for flights, checking in, and tracking your baggage. You can find airport codes on airline websites, travel agency websites, and airport websites.
Conclusion: Importance of airport codes
In conclusion, airport codes play a crucial role in the smooth operation of airports and airlines worldwide. They help eliminate confusion and errors in communication and ensure that passengers and their luggage are accurately tracked and transported to their destinations. Knowing the airport code for your departure and destination airports can help make your travel experience more seamless and stress-free.
References and further reading
- "Gatwick Airport." Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 16 Aug. 2021, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatwick_Airport.
- "IATA – Codes – Airline and Airport Codes Search." International Air Transport Association, https://www.iata.org/en/publications/directories/code-search/.
- "ICAO Location Indicators by State." International Civil Aviation Organization, .
