After 47 years of shaping the travel landscape, London Heathrow’s Terminal 1 — affectionately known as ‘T1’ — has officially ceased operations. Since its inauguration by Queen Elizabeth II in April 1969, T1 has stood as a pioneering hub, with British European Airways (which evolved into British Airways after their 1974 merger) marking the terminal’s first departure.
Over the past several years, Heathrow has transitioned nearly all Terminal 1 flights to the state-of-the-art Terminal 2, ensuring that more than 60% of the airport’s annual passengers now enjoy enhanced amenities and premium services in Terminals 2 and 5. Backed by an impressive £11 billion investment since 2003, Heathrow’s transformation has garnered global recognition, including the title of ‘Best Airport in Western Europe’ at the 2025 World Airport Awards.
The footprint of the former Terminal 1 is now being reimagined as part of a major expansion of Terminal 2, with further growth on the horizon should government approval for a third runway proceed. This evolution is designed to support Heathrow’s ongoing commitment to delivering a seamless, world-class travel experience.
Terminal 1’s legacy as Western Europe’s largest dedicated short-haul facility remains unmatched, having efficiently processed up to 9 million travelers at peak capacity. Its closure marks the end of an era, making way for a new chapter in London aviation.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye reflected, “Saying goodbye to Terminal 1 is a defining moment in Heathrow’s story. For nearly five decades, T1 served the UK with distinction, and its legacy will live on as we expand Terminal 2 and continue to set new standards for airport excellence.”
The shuttering of T1 has accelerated further enhancements across Heathrow, including the upgrade of northern taxiways to accommodate flagship A380 aircraft and the implementation of next-generation baggage screening systems for heightened security and efficiency.
Terminal 1 in 1969
London Heathrow in 2030
