London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) – A Major UK International Airport
Overview of Gatwick Airport (LGW)
London Gatwick Airport (LGW) is the second busiest airport in the UK, located 47 km south of Central London. It serves as an important hub for both full-service and low-cost airlines, offering flights to over 200 destinations worldwide.
Gatwick operates with two terminals (North and South) and is known for efficient operations, budget-friendly flights, and excellent passenger services. It is a primary base for airlines such as EasyJet, British Airways, TUI Airways, and Wizz Air.
Key highlights of Gatwick Airport include:
- Two modern terminals with seamless passenger processing
- Fast train connections to London via the Gatwick Express
- A mix of low-cost and premium flight options
- Luxury shopping, duty-free stores, and international dining
- Easy access to regional and long-haul flights
London Gatwick Airport is a convenient alternative to Heathrow, offering affordable flights and efficient travel options to a variety of destinations.
Flights from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Ercan International Airport (ECN) in Northern Cyprus
Ercan International Airport (ECN), located in Northern Cyprus, does not have direct international flights from the UK due to political restrictions. All flights from Gatwick must transit via Turkey before reaching Ercan.
Flight Restrictions & Transit Requirements
- No direct flights from LGW to Ercan (ECN).
- A transit stop in Turkey is required before continuing to Northern Cyprus.
Airlines Operating LGW – ECN Flights via Turkey
Passengers traveling to Ercan Airport (ECN) from Gatwick can choose one-stop flights via Turkey, operated by:
- Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul IST)
- Pegasus Airlines (via Istanbul SAW)
Flight Duration & Travel Time
- Total journey time: 6-10 hours, depending on layovers.
- Common transit airports: Istanbul (IST or SAW), Ankara (ESB), or Antalya (AYT).
Visa & Baggage Policies
- British citizens do not require a visa for short stays in Northern Cyprus.
- Turkish transit visa requirements may apply for certain travelers.
- Baggage policies depend on the airline and ticket class.
Travelers heading to Northern Cyprus from Gatwick must transit through Turkey, but Pegasus and Turkish Airlines offer frequent connections.
Flights from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Southern Cyprus Airports (Larnaca & Paphos)
Southern Cyprus has two international airports:
- Larnaca International Airport (LCA) – The main airport, handling the majority of flights.
- Paphos International Airport (PFO) – A smaller airport serving mainly tourist destinations.
Direct Flight Availability
- Direct flights are available from Gatwick (LGW) to Larnaca (LCA) and Paphos (PFO).
- Flight duration is 4-5 hours, with no stopovers required.
Airlines Operating LGW – LCA/PFO Flights
- British Airways – Direct flights to Larnaca and Paphos.
- EasyJet – Budget-friendly direct flights to Larnaca and Paphos.
- Wizz Air – Direct flights to Larnaca.
- TUI Airways – Charter flights to Larnaca and Paphos.
Flight Duration & Travel Time
- LGW to LCA: Approximately 4.5 hours
- LGW to PFO: Approximately 4 hours
- No transit required, making it the fastest option for reaching Southern Cyprus.
Visa & Entry Requirements
- British citizens do not need a visa for short stays in Southern Cyprus.
- Standard baggage policies apply, depending on the airline.
For travelers heading to Southern Cyprus, direct flights from Gatwick to Larnaca or Paphos offer the most convenient and efficient travel experience.
Comparison: Gatwick to Northern vs. Southern Cyprus Flights
Feature LGW → Ercan (ECN) LGW → Larnaca (LCA) / Paphos (PFO)
Direct Flights ❌ No (requires transit via Turkey) ✅ Yes (direct flights available)
Airlines Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines British Airways, EasyJet, Wizz Air, TUI Airways
Flight Time 6-10 hours (with layover) ~4.5 hours (non-stop)
Visa for UK Citizens ❌ No visa required ❌ No visa required
Entry Restrictions Must transit via Turkey Direct entry allowed
Cost Varies (depends on layover duration) Generally lower (direct flight)
For travelers from Gatwick Airport, direct flights to Southern Cyprus (LCA/PFO) are faster and more convenient, while those traveling to Northern Cyprus (ECN) must transit via Turkey.
Choosing the Best Flight Route from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Cyprus
London Gatwick (LGW) offers various flight options to Cyprus, depending on the traveler's final destination:
- For Northern Cyprus (Ercan Airport – ECN):
- No direct flights – transit required in Turkey.
- Turkish Airlines & Pegasus Airlines offer connections via Istanbul.
- No visa required for UK citizens visiting Northern Cyprus.
- For Southern Cyprus (Larnaca & Paphos):
- Direct flights available with British Airways, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and TUI Airways.
- Fastest and most convenient travel option.
- No visa required for British passport holders.
For UK travelers, direct flights to Southern Cyprus (LCA/PFO) offer the best travel experience, while those heading to Northern Cyprus (ECN) must plan for a stopover in Turkey.
