Airport History

History of London Heathrow Airport (LHR)

As the largest UK Airport, London Heathrow is also the world's busiest Airport. A massive 1.3 Million tones of cargo and over 68 million passengers pass through London Heathrow annually.

The Great Western Aerodrome was established in 1946, it was privately owned and it was used for test flying. Commercial flights were taking off from nearby Hanworth Park and Heston airfields.

London Heathrow Airport as we know it, was originally requisitioned as a transport base for the Royal Air Force, however it was only partially developed as the War ended. A huge expansion in Civil Aviation followed, and London needed a large airport complete with modern equipment.

In 1947, three runways had been completed and in the 1950's a new building was erected in the central area. In 1955 the Queen inaugurated a brand new building (Terminal 2) and a newly developed tunnel that provided main road access to Heathrow's central area.

Terminal's 1 and 3 followed, and were both in operation by 1968. Due to increased congestion, a further Terminal 4 was built in 1986. Terminal 4 was strategically located on the South side.

Today, London Heathrow Airport boosts superb road and rail links, helping passengers get to other parts of country more efficiently. Heathrow's Terminal 5 received approval in 2001 and construction work began in 2002.