Aviation and Airlines (Commonwealth Union) _ London Heathrow Airport, now one of the world’s busiest airports, commenced operations in 1946 as London Airport, replacing the less suitable Croydon Airport. The location had served as a private airfield since 1929, operated by Fairey Aviation. Initially requisitioned during World War II for temporary military use, it transitioned into a civilian airport in 1946, marking its official opening. The surge in air travel prompted the renaming of the airport to London Heathrow in 1966, inspired by the demolished hamlet ‘Heath Row’ near the site. Despite considerations to rename it in the 1990s after Winston Churchill, the original name persisted.
Rapid passenger growth in the early years necessitated new terminals. Architect Frederick Gibberd’s design saw the Europa Terminal (later Terminal 2) open in 1955, followed by the Oceanic Building (later Terminal 3) in 1961 and Terminal 1 in 1968. Concorde, a symbol of aviation history, commenced services from Heathrow in 1976, with British Airways and Air France operating the supersonic aircraft. Heathrow’s role as a Concorde hub included regular flights to New York, Bahrain, Singapore, Washington, Miami, Dallas, and Barbados until its retirement in 2003.
Further expansions unfolded, with Terminal 4 inaugurated in 1986 by Prince Charles and Princess Diana. Terminal 5, designed by Richard Rogers and opened in 2008, marked another milestone in Heathrow’s growth. Initially intended for British Airways, Terminal 5’s architecture and construction were overseen by Laing O’Rourke. However, its usage evolved over time, with British Airways flights now shared between Terminals 5 and 3. The airport’s history is like a journey through time, showcasing not just its physical development but also its resilience, adaptability, and significant role in the global aviation landscape. From its inception to modern times, the airport has likely weathered changes in technology, aviation regulations, and global events, making it a dynamic hub that stands as a testament to the evolution and endurance of air travel.
