London Heathrow Airport is the busiest airport in the United Kingdom and the busiest in Europe by international passenger traffic. Located 14 miles west of Central London in the London Borough of Hillingdon, Heathrow opened in 1946 as a civil airport on the site of a former Royal Air Force base. The airport handles approximately 80 million passengers per year across four operational terminals. Terminal 5, the newest and largest, is dedicated exclusively to British Airways and Iberia. Terminal 2, known as the Queen's Terminal, serves Star Alliance carriers and select other airlines. Heathrow is a primary hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, and hosts virtually every major international carrier. The airport is well connected to Central London via the Heathrow Express (15 minutes to Paddington), the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail), the Piccadilly Line of the London Underground, and numerous bus and coach services. Heathrow operates on only two runways, which creates significant capacity constraints and has led to decades of debate over a proposed third runway expansion. Despite these constraints, Heathrow maintains one of the most extensive long-haul route networks of any airport worldwide, with particular strength in routes to North America, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Aviation Terms

Airfield Lighting (AGL) Airport Category Airport Elevation (ELEV) Airport Fire Station (ARFF) Airport Lounge Airport Reference Point (ARP) Apron Automated Passport Control (APC)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from London Heathrow to central London?

The Heathrow Express runs non-stop to London Paddington in 15 minutes, with fares from GBP 25 one-way. The Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) is a cheaper alternative at GBP 12.80 (peak Oyster), reaching Paddington in about 28 minutes and continuing through central London to Liverpool Street and beyond. The Piccadilly Line is the budget option at GBP 5.50, taking about 50-60 minutes to reach central London.

How many terminals does Heathrow Airport have?

Heathrow has four active terminals: 2, 3, 4, and 5. Terminal 1 was permanently closed in 2015. Terminal 5 is exclusively used by British Airways and Iberia. Terminal 2 (The Queen Terminal) serves Star Alliance carriers. Terminals 2 and 3 are connected by an underground walkway.

Which airlines operate from Heathrow Terminal 5?

Terminal 5 is exclusively used by British Airways, including its subsidiary BA CityFlyer, and Iberia (a fellow International Airlines Group carrier). British Airways operates approximately 60% of all Heathrow flights. T5 has three buildings: the main terminal and two satellite buildings (T5B and T5C) connected by an automated transit.

Is there free Wi-Fi at Heathrow?

Yes, Heathrow offers free Wi-Fi in all terminals with no time limit. The network is named _Heathrow Wi-Fi and provides speeds suitable for browsing and email. Premium faster Wi-Fi is available for purchase at various speed tiers.

Can I transfer between Heathrow terminals without going through security?

Terminals 2 and 3 have an airside connection via the underground Flight Connections walkway. For transfers involving Terminals 4 or 5, you must take the free Heathrow Express shuttle train, which means going through security again at the destination terminal. Allow at least 60-90 minutes for inter-terminal transfers.