Heathrow Airport

Heathrow Airport, London that is situated in the London Borough of Hilling don, is considered the busiest and the largest airport in the United Kingdom. In terms of total passenger traffic, it is the world's second busiest airport and handles much more international passengers than any other airport around the globe. Heathrow Airport is also the busiest airport in the European Union with regards to passenger traffic and the second busiest in terms of traffic movements.

The Heathrow Airport is owned and operated by BAA, who also operates many other airports in the United Kingdom.

Located 22 km west of Central London, originally the Heathrow was designed for six runways in three pairs but now has two parallel main runways running east-west along with five operational terminals.

The total area of Airport stretches upon approximately 12.14 square kilometers. The 5th Terminal was formally inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth-II on 14th March 2008.

To replace the terminal building and adjacent Queen's Building, Construction of a new Terminal 2 complex began in 2009; the first phase is scheduled to open in 2014.

Recently completed Terminals 3 and 4 have undergone major refurbishments. In addition to existing 2 parallel main runways the UK Government has granted approval for building of another 3rd runway.

Heathrow Airport possesses a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence that permits flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction.

Heathrow Airport is used by more than 90 airlines that fly to approximately 170 destinations around the globe. The Airport is the main hub of BMI, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways.

Out of Heathrow's 67 million passengers yearly, about 11% travel to UK destinations, 43% are short-haul international travelers, and 46% are long-haul. New York is the busiest single destination in terms of passenger numbers, with over 3.5 million passengers travelling between Heathrow and JFK / Newark airports. The airport has five passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) and a cargo terminal.

Heathrow originally had six runways, arranged in three pairs at different angles, with the passenger terminal in the centre. With growth in the required length for runways,

Heathrow now has just two parallel runways running east-west. A short runway 23 that was built for use in strong south-westerly winds has been decommissioned since 2005 and now forms part of a taxiway.

An 87-metre (285 ft) high £50 million air traffic control tower is completed on April 21st, 2007, and was officially opened on 13th June 2007.

The responsibility of Policing of the airport remains with the aviation security unit of the Metropolitan Police. In addition the army, including armored vehicles, has been deployed to the airport during periods of heightened security.

Heathrow Airport has Muslim, Catholic, Anglican, Free Church of Scotland, Hindu, Jewish, and Sikh chaplains. In each terminal, there exist a multi-faith prayer hall and counseling room.

In addition to other unique arrangements, Heathrow airport maintained its own resident press corps which consists of many photographers and one a TV crew as well, serving the major newspapers and television stations around the globe.