Heathrow T1 finally closes

Terminal 1 at Heathrow will close tomorrow (Tuesday 30 June).  The final flight is expected to be British Airways BA0970 to Hannover, which is scheduled for 21:15.  Initial demolition is expected shortly opening up for taxiing space near the northern runway allowing easier access for large aircraft such as the A380.

The then modern building was completed in 1968 and was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth II in May 1969.  At the time it was the largest short haul only terminal of its kind in Western Europe.  At a later stage the gates for Ireland were added, a standing joke being that it was quicker going via Holyhead.  The gates were a very long walk from the Heathrow Underground.

T1 followed T2 (and famous as a rooftop dining out place for West Londoners ‘Tavern in the Sky’), which was built in 1955, replacing temporary accommodation alongside the Bath Road.  Prior to that, for a short period, Northolt was the London airport.  www.heathrowairport.com

Index/Home page
 

OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Barry Graham, Washington, DC

Am I missing something here but why are they demolishing old terminals and then applying for permission to build brand new ones?