small commercial

Home » airport » airportlandscapes » small commercial

Swipe map to reveal full extent (east-west). Zoom-in (click/pinch) for more detail.

London Gatwick Airport, originally named Tinsley Green Aerodrome, opened in 1930 as a private airfield. Situated approximately 29.5 miles south of Central London, the airfield quickly evolved into a commercial airport. In 1933, it was granted its first public license and began regular air services to destinations such as Paris and Belfast. The expansion continued, and during World War II, Gatwick was requisitioned by the Royal Air Force to serve as a military base, playing a significant role in supporting the war effort.

Post-war, Gatwick underwent substantial redevelopment, and in 1958, it was officially reopened by Queen Elizabeth II as London Gatwick Airport, boasting a new terminal building designed to handle increased passenger traffic. The introduction of the “pier” design, allowing aircraft to park directly alongside the terminal, was a pioneering feature that enhanced the airport’s operational efficiency. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Gatwick experienced rapid growth, accommodating both domestic and international flights, with numerous airlines establishing operations there. Its location and accessibility made it a popular choice for holidaymakers and business travelers alike.

Today, London Gatwick Airport is the world’s busiest single runway airport. The airport has also made strides in sustainability, implementing various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. London Gatwick remains a vital hub for leisure and some business travel across Europe and longhaul destinations.

Fly to another aiport map: Manchester airport

Historic Ordnance Survey mapping used for ZyXmaps’s ‘UK airport landscapes’ series is reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland (CC-BY). Airport layout © Open Streetmap Contributors. Photographs © edition ND.

Home » airport » airportlandscapes » small commercial

Zoom-in on map (click/pinch) for more detail.

Southampton Airport, originally established as a grass airfield in 1910, has seen its fair share of historical events and significant milestones. During World War I, the airfield was repurposed as a base for the Royal Flying Corps, leading to extensive development and the construction of hangars. In the 1930s, it became the primary base for the innovative Supermarine aircraft, including the legendary Spitfire, which made its maiden flight from Southampton in 1936. This period cemented the airport’s role in the aviation industry and marked it as a site of technological advancements.

The airport’s prominence continued into World War II, serving as a crucial operational base for various RAF squadrons. Post-war, Southampton Airport transitioned to civil aviation, facilitating commercial flights and rapidly growing in passenger numbers. The 1950s saw the introduction of scheduled flights to destinations such as the Channel Islands and mainland Europe, positioning the airport as a vital regional hub. Significant infrastructure improvements followed, including the construction of modern terminals and extended runways to accommodate larger aircraft. The early 2000s witnessed a surge in low-cost carriers, boosting the airport’s popularity among budget travelers.

Read about aviation pioneer Edwin Moon’s first flight from Southampton in 1910.

Today, Southampton Airport has a mixture of domestic and European flights on regional airlines as well as low-cost operators, trying to re-establish passenger numbers in the region of 2 million per year as seen before the pandemic.

Fly to another aiport map: London City airport