It’s one of the least busy airports in the country, meaning queues are less likelyBournemouth AirportBournemouth Airport isn’t far from London(Image: Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

We Brits are known for our love of a good queue, but there’s something about the snaking lines at airports that can send a chill down any holidaymaker’s spine.

The dreaded baggage drop-off line often stretches back for what feels like miles, and security checks can be just as congested – particularly when flight cancellations and delays are thrown into the mix.

If you’re hoping to dodge this scenario during your summer travels, you’re in luck. There’s a small airport just a two-hour drive from London that ranks among the least busy in the country, making lengthy queues less likely.

Even better, this airport offers flights to popular European destinations such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal.

Rhodes, GreeceYou can get to Rhodes in Greece from Bournemouth Airport(Image: Getty)

Bournemouth Airport saw fewer than 700,000 passengers pass through its terminals in 2022, making it a much quieter option compared to London’s bustling hubs. Do remember to check the latest travel advice for each country before setting off.

London is a major hub for international travel, so it’s no surprise that its airports see millions of passengers each year.

Heathrow takes the crown for being the busiest, with a staggering 61,599,196 travellers passing through in 2022. If you’d rather steer clear of the crowds, Bournemouth Airport sits at the other end of the spectrum.

From here, you can jet off to a selection of cities in Portugal, Greece, and Spain, as well as various destinations across Western Europe. Bournemouth also offers regular flights to the Mediterranean and seasonal services to locations around the globe.

You can even catch flights to North Africa, North America, and the Caribbean. Why not use the airport’s free Wi-Fi to browse Tripadvisor for your next summer holiday destination?

Getting there

Bournemouth Airport is a mere two-hour drive from London, accessible via the M3. Alternatively, you can hop on a train from Waterloo, which will get you to Bournemouth Station in just under two hours.

From the station, it’s a quick 10-minute taxi ride to the airport. Don’t forget to check the latest travel advice for your chosen destination before you set off.

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