Menu
14/03/2008
Queen Opens Terminal 5 At Heathrow
The Queen has officially opened Terminal 5 at Heathrow, just 24 hours after a man was arrested for running onto a runway at the airport.
The new £4.3 billion terminal was opened by the monarch amid strict security.
The Queen was greeted by 800 specially invited guests, including business and airport workers at Heathrow, where she described the new terminal as "a 21st century gateway to Britain and the wider world".
The Queen also met with the crew of the Boeing 777, which crash-landed at the airport in January.
The Queen opened Heathrow's first passenger terminal, the Europa Building - now called Terminal 2 - back in 1955.
The opening of the terminal comes just 24 hours after a man was arrested after running onto the north runway at Heathrow with a rucksack. He was arrested by armed officers and a controlled explosion was carried out on his bag. No explosives were found. He remains in police custody.
The new terminal, which will be occupied by British Airways exclusively, will become operational on March 27.
The terminal, which will be able to handle 30 million passengers a year, features the largest airline lounge complex in the world.
Airport operator BAA said that the new terminal would transform the level of passenger service at Heathrow and help to ease queues at check-in desks and security checks.
However, environmental and residents' groups are opposed to the new terminal, arguing that it will eventually mean an increase in flights, noise and pollution.
Sir Nigel Rudd, chairman of BAA, said: "Terminal 5 marks the start of a new beginning for Heathrow, for BAA and for our millions of passengers. It is, by any standard, a triumph of ambition, commitment and collaboration. It will breathe new life into Heathrow, allowing us to continue our transformation of the rest of the airport and will put Heathrow and BAA back where they belong - at the leading edge of global travel."
Willie Walsh, British Airways Chief Executive, said: "Terminal 5 is a fantastic facility and our customers will really enjoy the space, comfort and convenience it offers. The customer experience at Terminal 5 will rival, if not exceed, that at any airport in the world."
Around 60,000 people have worked to build Terminal 5, since construction work began in September 2002.
The Terminal 5 project team has successfully erected the UK's biggest free-standing building; moved the 900-tonne top cab of a new 87m high control tower 2km across the airfield; tunnelled over 13km for rail and baggage links; diverted two rivers; and installed over 30,000 sq metres of glass building facades. All Terminal 5's footprint is contained within a former sludge works at the western end of the existing airport, situated between the two runways, adjacent to the M25.
The Terminal 5 complex features 60 new aircraft stands; two satellite buildings, the second phase of which will be completed by 2010; rail links to London Underground and Heathrow Express; a new multi-storey car park; and extensive landscaping.
The building was designed by 2006 Stirling Prize winner Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners.
Sir Nigel added: "From every perspective, this is a landmark project and I am proud to think that Terminal 5 has become a model construction project, setting new, higher standards for an industry around the world."
(KMcA/JM)
The new £4.3 billion terminal was opened by the monarch amid strict security.
The Queen was greeted by 800 specially invited guests, including business and airport workers at Heathrow, where she described the new terminal as "a 21st century gateway to Britain and the wider world".
The Queen also met with the crew of the Boeing 777, which crash-landed at the airport in January.
The Queen opened Heathrow's first passenger terminal, the Europa Building - now called Terminal 2 - back in 1955.
The opening of the terminal comes just 24 hours after a man was arrested after running onto the north runway at Heathrow with a rucksack. He was arrested by armed officers and a controlled explosion was carried out on his bag. No explosives were found. He remains in police custody.
The new terminal, which will be occupied by British Airways exclusively, will become operational on March 27.
The terminal, which will be able to handle 30 million passengers a year, features the largest airline lounge complex in the world.
Airport operator BAA said that the new terminal would transform the level of passenger service at Heathrow and help to ease queues at check-in desks and security checks.
However, environmental and residents' groups are opposed to the new terminal, arguing that it will eventually mean an increase in flights, noise and pollution.
Sir Nigel Rudd, chairman of BAA, said: "Terminal 5 marks the start of a new beginning for Heathrow, for BAA and for our millions of passengers. It is, by any standard, a triumph of ambition, commitment and collaboration. It will breathe new life into Heathrow, allowing us to continue our transformation of the rest of the airport and will put Heathrow and BAA back where they belong - at the leading edge of global travel."
Willie Walsh, British Airways Chief Executive, said: "Terminal 5 is a fantastic facility and our customers will really enjoy the space, comfort and convenience it offers. The customer experience at Terminal 5 will rival, if not exceed, that at any airport in the world."
Around 60,000 people have worked to build Terminal 5, since construction work began in September 2002.
The Terminal 5 project team has successfully erected the UK's biggest free-standing building; moved the 900-tonne top cab of a new 87m high control tower 2km across the airfield; tunnelled over 13km for rail and baggage links; diverted two rivers; and installed over 30,000 sq metres of glass building facades. All Terminal 5's footprint is contained within a former sludge works at the western end of the existing airport, situated between the two runways, adjacent to the M25.
The Terminal 5 complex features 60 new aircraft stands; two satellite buildings, the second phase of which will be completed by 2010; rail links to London Underground and Heathrow Express; a new multi-storey car park; and extensive landscaping.
The building was designed by 2006 Stirling Prize winner Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners.
Sir Nigel added: "From every perspective, this is a landmark project and I am proud to think that Terminal 5 has become a model construction project, setting new, higher standards for an industry around the world."
(KMcA/JM)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 March 2008
'Teething Problems' For T5
The opening of the new Terminal 5 building at Heathrow has been marred by cancelled flights and baggage delays. According to reports, British Airways, which is operating from the new terminal, were forced to cancel 34 flights by 2pm on Thursday due to "teething problems".
'Teething Problems' For T5
The opening of the new Terminal 5 building at Heathrow has been marred by cancelled flights and baggage delays. According to reports, British Airways, which is operating from the new terminal, were forced to cancel 34 flights by 2pm on Thursday due to "teething problems".
10 November 2005
Heathrow Terminal 2 to be demolished
Heathrow’s Terminal 2 is to be demolished as part of plans to revamp the airport ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Heathrow Terminal 2 to be demolished
Heathrow’s Terminal 2 is to be demolished as part of plans to revamp the airport ahead of the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
04 June 2014
Heathrow T2 Welcomes First Passengers
Heathrow's new Terminal 2 has welcomed its first passengers, as the airport insists it has learned lessons from the opening of Terminal 5, but warns of potential problems during the new terminal's infancy. The west London £2.
Heathrow T2 Welcomes First Passengers
Heathrow's new Terminal 2 has welcomed its first passengers, as the airport insists it has learned lessons from the opening of Terminal 5, but warns of potential problems during the new terminal's infancy. The west London £2.
14 October 2014
Ebola Screening Underway At Heathrow
Ebola screening for passengers arriving from affected countries has begun at Heathrow airport. According to reports on day one of the new procedure, "a few passengers" were asked to complete health questionnaires and had their temperatures taken at Terminal 1.
Ebola Screening Underway At Heathrow
Ebola screening for passengers arriving from affected countries has begun at Heathrow airport. According to reports on day one of the new procedure, "a few passengers" were asked to complete health questionnaires and had their temperatures taken at Terminal 1.
06 June 2005
Heathrow expansion plans announced
A third runway could be introduced at Heathrow airport under new proposals published today. The plans aim to transform the airport to accommodate increasing passenger growth. £4.
Heathrow expansion plans announced
A third runway could be introduced at Heathrow airport under new proposals published today. The plans aim to transform the airport to accommodate increasing passenger growth. £4.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
