Heathrow Airport

Located about 24 km south of Central London, Heathrow Airport is the largest airport in the United Kingdom and one of the busiest in Europe. More passengers pass through the terminals that in any other airport in the world. It is owned and operated by BAA and is the hub of operations for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. There are five terminals, with terminal 5 having been officially open in March 2008. The two runways run east and west and because of the location of the airport all aircraft have to fly in over the city. It is prone to fog because of the low-lying area.

Heathrow started as a military airfield in World War 11 and was passed over to the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 1946. Although it had been intended as a base for the Royal Air Force, it was never used in this capacity. From the 1950’s to the 1990’s extensions and renovations were carried out to include more terminals and refurbished runways. The London Underground was expanded to connect directly with the airport so that passengers would have an hour’s train ride into the heart of the city.

Over 90 airlines operate from Heathrow Airport flying to more than 170 international destinations. The facilities can accommodate up to 50 million passengers, but numbers in recent years have been approaching 70 million, which is why it is sometimes difficult for aircraft to obtain landing slots.

Terminal 1 handles most of the domestic and Irish routes, as well as some European and long haul routes. There is a departure lounge for passengers, as well as stores and restaurants. Terminal 2 mainly handles European routes. This is the oldest terminal at the airport and plans are underway to demolish this terminal in 2009.

Terminal 3 is the main terminal for long haul routes. The first moving walkway in the UK was installed in this terminal. The airbus 360 regularly flies out of this terminal and there is quite a large space for passenger seating as well as numerous restaurants, bars and shops. Terminal 4 is the main base of operations for British Airways and it too provides passengers with a pleasant waiting experience with shops, restaurants and bars.

Terminal 5 also has many waiting areas, shops, restaurants and bars for passengers.

There are numerous car parking opportunities for short and long-term parking. Several major car hire agencies have kiosks in the terminals and information and helps desks can be found in all terminals. There are many ATM’s throughout the airport with post offices in Terminals 1 and 2. The Queen’s Building is the location of the Business Centre with 19 meeting rooms and business workstations. Telephones in the terminals are wheelchair accessible as are the bathrooms.