London Heathrow Airport
London · United Kingdom
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the primary and largest international airport serving London, United Kingdom, and Europe's busiest airport for passenger traffic. Located 23 kilometres west of Central London, it handles over 89 airlines flying to 214 destinations across 84 countries.
Heathrow Airport is the main hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, and serves as a critical international gateway for the United Kingdom. Founded as a small airfield in 1930 and expanded significantly after World War II, the airport now operates four passenger terminals (numbered 2 to 5) and one cargo terminal across a 12.3 square kilometre site. It features two parallel east-west runways and handles more international passenger traffic than any other airport in the world. In 2021, Heathrow served 19.4 million passengers, with 17 million being international travellers. The airport is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings, part of an international group led by the Spanish Ferrovial Group.
Interesting facts
- Heathrow Terminal 5, which opened in 2008, houses the largest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom. The T5 roof weighs 18,500 tonnes and is supported by 22 structural supports.
- Nearly 46% of Heathrow's passengers use the airport as an intermediary hub for long-haul flights, making it one of the world's most important connection points for international travel.
- Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport for passenger traffic and handles more international passenger traffic than any other airport globally.
- The airport was originally named London Airport until 1966 and was developed from the Great West Aerodrome, which operated as a small airfield beginning in 1930.
- Terminal 2, also known as The Queen's Terminal, opened on 4 June 2014 on the sites of the previous Terminal 2 and Queens Building, designed by Luis Vidal + Architects.
Tips for travelers
- Arrive at least 3 hours before international flights and 2 hours before domestic flights to allow time for check-in, security, and navigation of the large airport complex.
- Use the Heathrow Express rail service or London Underground (Piccadilly Line) for reliable connections to Central London; these are faster and more economical than taxis during peak hours.
- Terminal 5 is exclusively used by British Airways and Iberia; if flying with these carriers, allow extra time as T5 is geographically separated from other terminals.
- The airport has excellent WiFi coverage and numerous dining options throughout all terminals; plan meals accordingly as prices are premium.
- Consider using the Heathrow Terminal 4 tube and railway stations if departing from Terminal 4, as it offers direct rail connections to Central London and other UK destinations.
- Check your airline's terminal assignment before arrival, as Heathrow's four separate terminals require different transportation routes and can significantly impact transfer times.