Last updated on May 6, 2025
Airports have never been fascinating, but at least they used to be efficient. With more travellers than ever, bloated passenger terminals, and congested runways, any sense of efficiency feels like a distant memory.
This impracticality is only multiplied at the UK’s largest airports like Manchester and Heathrow, where delays and cancellations have become a grim regularity.
So, with all these headaches, some might argue that it’s not worth the hassle. Our alternative still gets you on the beach or boardroom with less hassle or fuss. Enter the UK’s smaller airports. Often overlooked, these regional hubs offer access to larger airports without the queues, delays, and inefficiencies associated with them. Here are five smaller airports that might just be the best travel hack you’ve never considered, including one voted the U.K.’s best.
1. London City Airport (LCY)
Location: East London
Unique advantage: Fastest airport experience in London
If you’re travelling to or from the capital on business, there’s no alternative to London City Airport (LCY). It’s been designed efficiently and is the closest airport to Central London, less than thirty minutes on the underground from Canary Wharf. Thanks to its compact layout, you can move from check-in to gate in under 30 minutes on a good day, making it ideal for getting in and out as quickly as possible.
London City Airport specialises in short-haul business destinations like Zurich, Frankfurt, and Edinburgh, perfect for domestic meetings and quick hops into Europe. Plus, with a no-fuss terminal and plenty of business lounges, it’s an excellent way to avoid the chaos of Heathrow without sacrificing convenience.
Best for: Business travellers and weekend city breaks.
2. Southampton Airport (SOU)
Location: Hampshire
Unique advantage: Seamless rail connections and efficient boarding
Southampton Airport punches well above its weight when it comes to efficiency. Located just off the M27 and directly linked to the national rail network via Southampton Airport Parkway station, it takes as little as 99 steps to get from train to plane (trust me, I’ve counted!).
This airport shines with European regional routes, often at a slightly cheaper cost than you’ll find travelling from London, and operating with shorter queues and quicker boarding processes. For leisure travellers seeking hassle-free sunshine escapes, it’s a brilliant starting point.
Best for: Summer holidays and quick European breaks.
3. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
Location: Merseyside
Unique advantage: Award-winning service and super-speedy departures
Liverpool John Lennon Airport has quietly built a reputation as the U.K.’s best airport, and it will take something spectacular to knock the airport off its well-earned perch. It consistently outranks many larger airports for check-in times, security processes, and customer service.
Thanks to its clever layout and efficient operations, you can typically move from check-in through security to the departure lounge within 15 minutes, giving you time to pack, commute, or work in one of their private lounges. Liverpool also offers a great selection of low-cost carriers serving European destinations like Barcelona and Kraków. Also, the short travel time of just 30 minutes to Dublin makes it an excellent choice for an international day trip.
With a friendly, northern welcome and ongoing investment into modernising facilities, it’s no wonder many regular travellers now actively choose Liverpool over nearby Manchester.
Best for: European city breaks and extreme day trips.
4. Newcastle International Airport (NCL)
Location: Tyne and Wear
Unique advantage: Growing international connections with minimal stress
Newcastle International is the North East’s major airport, but that doesn’t mean it gets anywhere near as busy as the other key airports in the country. Somehow, it still maintains a smaller hub’s friendly, easygoing atmosphere. Unlike Heathrow or Edinburgh, you can clear security without feeling like you’ve been in a queue.
Newcastle has expanded its long-haul options recently, making it a true all-rounder. Now you can catch direct flights to Dubai and Orlando without requiring an extensive road transfer to Manchester.
What’s more? Parking is straightforward and affordable, and the Metro links you straight into the city centre.
Best for: Northern business trips, international holidays, and family travel.
5. Farnborough Airport (FAB)
Location: Hampshire
Unique advantage: UK’s leading private aviation hub
If you’re looking at private jet hire as an option, there is no better airport to fly from than Farnborough, which exclusively caters to private aviation. Due to its specialisation, Farnborough Airport offers cutting-edge customer service, relaxing security processes, and exclusive perks.
Few private airports in the world rival Farnborough Airport’s class and elegance in terms of luxury. Farnborough’s polished service is hard to beat for time-pressed executives closing multi-million pound deals or those seeking an ultra-comfortable start to a holiday.
Best for: Corporate executives and luxury holidaymakers.
Small Airports Pack a Big Punch
So, if you’re tired of mega-airports and their vast inefficiencies, cast your eyes to the airports on our list for a breath of fresh air. You’ll be surprised by how much better the overall experience can be.