Heathrow

Heathrow, officially London Heathrow Airport, is a major international airport located in the London Borough of Hillingdon, about 14 miles (23 kilometers) west of central London. It is the United Kingdom's principal international gateway and one of the busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic.

It comprises four active passenger terminals: 2, 3, 4 and 5; Terminal 1 closed in 2015. The airport operates two parallel runways (09L/27R and 09R/27L) and has a long-running expansion plan to add a third runway to increase capacity, a project that has faced regulatory and environmental challenges. Heathrow is a major hub for British Airways and serves many international carriers.

History: The airport opened in 1946 as London Airport, a civilian airport developed from a RAF airfield. It was renamed Heathrow in 1966, after the local area. The site has undergone continual expansion, with new terminals and facilities added to handle growing demand.

Transport connections: Heathrow is linked to central London by rail and road. The Heathrow Express provides a fast link to London Paddington; the Piccadilly Line runs from Terminals 2, 3, and the Elizabeth Line serves Heathrow via a dedicated station, improving cross‑London access. Road connections include the M4 and M25 motorways, and extensive bus and coach services support access to the airport. Heathrow plays a central role in UK travel, commerce and regional connectivity.