About our Heathrow Airport news
Latest news on Heathrow Airport (LHR), providing comprehensive coverage of Europe's busiest international hub, flight updates, expansion plans, travel information, and airline operations.
Serving as the UK's primary international gateway, Heathrow Airport handles over 80 million passengers annually across its four operational terminals. As the main hub for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, the airport connects London to 214 destinations worldwide, with particularly strong routes to New York, Dubai, and Singapore. The airport contributes approximately £4.7 billion to the UK economy and supports 114,000 jobs.
Recent developments at Heathrow have seen passenger numbers recover strongly after pandemic disruptions, with the airport reclaiming its position as Europe's busiest airport in 2024. Airlines continue to expand their offerings, with Virgin Atlantic announcing new routes to Riyadh and Toronto, while British Airways has resumed several previously suspended long-haul destinations. The airport has also implemented new artificial intelligence systems to assist air traffic controllers in managing aircraft across the airspace.
Beyond the technical aspects, Heathrow serves as a cultural crossroads where thousands of human stories unfold daily. The airport's chaplaincy offers support to travellers of diverse faiths, while its art installations and exhibitions showcase British culture to international visitors. Community initiatives include noise mitigation programmes for nearby residents and environmental projects aimed at reducing the airport's carbon footprint.
Heathrow's history stretches back to 1929 when it began as a small airfield called Great West Aerodrome. It developed significantly during World War II and opened as London Airport in 1946, being renamed Heathrow in 1966. The iconic Terminal 5, opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2008, marked a significant milestone in the airport's development, while the newer Terminal 2 (Queen's Terminal) opened in 2014, consolidating Star Alliance airlines under one roof.
The debate over Heathrow's expansion continues to evolve, with the UK Supreme Court overturning previous restrictions on third runway plans in December 2020. Though progress stalled during the pandemic, airport CEO Thomas Fogel recently indicated he would seek a "final" decision from the government by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, transport connectivity improvements remain under consideration, including potential new rail links to improve access from regions beyond London.
Our NewsNow feed on Heathrow Airport delivers the most up-to-date information on flight operations, terminal changes, transport links, and policy developments. Whether you're a frequent flyer, aviation enthusiast, business traveller, or simply planning your next journey through one of the world's most significant transport hubs, stay informed with comprehensive coverage of all aspects of Heathrow Airport.