Terminal 1 at Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving millions of passengers every year. Terminal 1 at Heathrow is one of the oldest terminals and was inaugurated in 1969. The terminal was designed to serve domestic and international flights and was considered to be a major achievement in airport design and construction.
The need for more terminals in Heathrow
In the 1960s, Heathrow Airport was experiencing a surge in passenger traffic, which led to overcrowding and congestion. The airport’s facilities were inadequate to handle the increasing number of passengers and flights. To address these issues, the airport authorities decided to build new terminals that could accommodate more passengers and provide better services. Terminal 1 was one of the three new terminals planned for construction at that time.
The planning and construction of Terminal 1
The construction of Terminal 1 began in 1966 and was completed in three years. The terminal was built at a cost of £20 million, which was a substantial amount of money at that time. The terminal was designed by the renowned architects Frederick Gibberd and Anthony Chitty. The design was modern and functional, with a large central space for check-in, baggage handling, and security. The terminal also had a separate area for arrivals and departures, as well as lounges and restaurants.
The opening ceremony for Terminal 1
Terminal 1 was officially opened on April 19, 1969, by Queen Elizabeth II. The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Harold Wilson. The Queen was given a tour of the terminal, which included a visit to the duty-free shops and the restaurants. The opening of Terminal 1 was considered to be a significant event in the history of Heathrow Airport.
Heathrow’s first passengers at Terminal 1
The first passengers to use Terminal 1 were on a British European Airways flight to Glasgow. The flight departed from Terminal 1 at 7:30 am on the day of the terminal’s opening. The passengers were impressed with the new terminal’s design and amenities, which included a comfortable waiting area, shops, and restaurants.
The features and amenities of Terminal 1
Terminal 1 was designed to provide passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. The terminal had several features and amenities, including a duty-free shopping area, restaurants, and lounges. The terminal also had advanced facilities for baggage handling and security, which made the check-in process fast and efficient.
The airlines that operated from Terminal 1
Several airlines operated from Terminal 1, including British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France. The terminal was primarily used for domestic and European flights, although some international flights also departed from Terminal 1. The airlines that operated from Terminal 1 provided their passengers with excellent services and amenities, which made Terminal 1 a popular choice for travelers.
The growth and expansion of Terminal 1
Over the years, Terminal 1 underwent several expansions and renovations to keep up with the increasing passenger traffic. In the 1980s, the terminal was expanded to accommodate more shops and restaurants. In the 1990s, the terminal was renovated to provide better facilities for disabled passengers. Despite these upgrades, Terminal 1’s capacity remained limited compared to the newer terminals at Heathrow.
The eventual closure of Terminal 1
Terminal 1 was closed in 2015 after more than 45 years of service. The decision to close the terminal was made because its facilities were outdated, and it could no longer accommodate the growing number of passengers at Heathrow. The airlines that operated from Terminal 1 were relocated to other terminals, and the terminal was demolished in 2016.
The legacy of Terminal 1 at Heathrow Airport
Terminal 1 played a crucial role in the development of Heathrow Airport. It was a significant milestone in airport design and construction, and its features and amenities set a benchmark for future airport terminals. Although Terminal 1 is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on in the newer terminals at Heathrow and other airports around the world.
Conclusion: Inaugurator of Terminal 1
Terminal 1 at Heathrow Airport was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on April 19, 1969. The terminal was designed to address the growing passenger traffic at Heathrow and was built at a cost of £20 million. Terminal 1 was a modern and functional terminal that provided passengers with advanced facilities and amenities. Although Terminal 1 is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on in the newer terminals at Heathrow and other airports around the world.
References and further reading
- Heathrow Airport. (2021). History of Heathrow Airport. Retrieved from https://www.heathrow.com/company/company-news-and-information/company-information/history-of-heathrow-airport
- The Guardian. (2015). Heathrow Terminal 1: a history in pictures. Retrieved from
- The Telegraph. (2015). Heathrow Terminal 1: A brief history. Retrieved from
