Heathrow Airport, called London Airport until 1966 and now known as London Heathrow, is the main international airport serving London, the capital of the United Kingdom. It is the largest of the six international airports in the London airport system. The airport is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings.

For travelers flying from the USA, London Heathrow (LHR) is generally considered the best airport due to its massive volume of direct flights from almost every major American city. As the UK's premier hub, it offers the most extensive connectivity and the fastest transit times into central London via the Elizabeth Line or the Heathrow Express. However, London Gatwick (LGW) is a strong alternative for those looking for potentially lower fares, especially on airlines like JetBlue, Delta, or Norse Atlantic. While Gatwick is further south, the Gatwick Express provides a reliable 30-minute link to Victoria Station. For business travelers or those flying private, London City Airport (LCY) is unmatched for its proximity to the financial district, though it lacks long-haul direct service from the US. Choosing between Heathrow and Gatwick often comes down to your specific US departure city and your final destination within London, but for sheer convenience and frequency, Heathrow remains the gold standard for transatlantic arrivals in 2026.