Ruth Haines
Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest airport, was originally called London Airport. The airport was officially renamed Heathrow Airport in September 1966, twenty years after its establishment, to distinguish it from other airports serving London, such as Gatwick and Stansted. Heathrow Airport was founded as a small airfield in 1930, but it was expanded and developed into a much larger airport after World War II. The site was first used as an airfield in 1929, and during the war, it was taken over by the RAF and used for long-range troop-carrying aircraft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Previous name | London Airport |
| New name | Heathrow Airport |
| Year of renaming | 1966 |
| Date of renaming | Last week of September 1966 |
| Reason for renaming | To avoid confusion with Gatwick and Stansted airports |
| Previous name (colloquial) | Great West Aerodrome |
| New name (colloquial) | Heathrow |
| Year of Heathrow Airport's establishment | 1946 |
| Heathrow Airport's ranking in Europe | Busiest airport |
| Heathrow Airport's ranking worldwide | Fourth-busiest airport |
| Number of airlines using Heathrow Airport | 90+ |
| Number of destinations served by Heathrow Airport | 180+ |
| Number of countries served by Heathrow Airport | 90+ |
| Number of people working at Heathrow Airport | 90,000+ |
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What You'll Learn
Heathrow Airport's history
Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest airport, has a long history that dates back to the 1920s. The site, located 14 miles (23 kilometres) west of Central London, was first used as a private airfield before becoming the world's busiest international airport and a central force in global aviation.
In the early 1920s, the site was primarily used for market gardening and wheat growing. In 1925, Norman Macmillan, an RAF officer, made a forced landing and take-off at Heathrow, noting the flatness of the land and its potential as an airfield. Fairey Aviation, founded by British aero-engineer and plane builder Richard Fairey, purchased 148 acres of farmland in 1929, and the site became known as Great West Aerodrome, sometimes called Heathrow Aerodrome. During World War II, the government requisitioned the land to build RAF Heston, a base for long-range troop-carrying aircraft. An RAF-style control tower was built, and a 'Star of David' pattern of runways was laid.
After the war, in 1946, the site was handed over to the Air Ministry as London's new civil airport, known as London Airport. By the end of its first year of operation, 63,000 passengers had travelled through the airport, a number that rose to 796,000 by 1951. In 1955, Queen Elizabeth II opened the airport's first proper passenger terminal, the Queen's Building, and predicted that "London Airport will I am sure continue to grow in importance as one of the world centres of air traffic".
As air travel became more accessible to the general public, London needed to expand its aviation capacity, and in 1958, a newly renovated Gatwick Airport was opened. This highlighted the need for a more distinctive name for London Airport, and so, in 1966, it was officially renamed Heathrow Airport to avoid confusion with Gatwick and Stansted airports. The airport has considered further name changes since, including in the 1990s when it was proposed that the airport be renamed after Sir Winston Churchill, but these have never been implemented.
Heathrow Airport has continued to expand and develop over the years, with the opening of Terminals 1, 2, 4, and 5, and it remains one of the world's most famous and busiest airports, handling over 80 million passengers annually and serving as a base for over 90 airlines.
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World War II's impact
Heathrow Airport, originally known as London Airport, has a history that dates back to the 1920s. The site was first used as a private airfield and later became an important hub for commercial travel in the years following World War II. The impact of World War II on the development of Heathrow Airport was significant, and this text will explore that influence in detail.
During World War II, the British government requisitioned land around the ancient village of Heath Row, including Fairey's Great West Aerodrome, to construct RAF Heston, a base for long-range troop-carrying aircraft. This process began in 1944, with work demolishing Heath Row and clearing land for runways. The existing aviation site, along with nearby farmland, was transformed to meet military needs. By the end of the war, the RAF's requirements changed, and they no longer needed this specific aerodrome.
The impact of World War II on the evolution of Heathrow Airport is evident in the post-war years. With the end of the conflict, the RAF's need for RAF Heston diminished, and the site was officially handed over to the Air Ministry as London's new civil airport on January 1, 1946. This transition from a military to a civilian role was a direct result of the changing circumstances following World War II. The airport, now serving a civilian purpose, opened to passengers in 1946 as London Airport. This new civil airport played a crucial role in accommodating the growing demand for air travel in post-war London.
The development of Heathrow Airport, influenced by the aftermath of World War II, continued to unfold in the following years. By 1951, just five years after its opening, the airport had already seen a significant increase in passenger numbers, with 796,000 annual passengers. This growth highlighted the need for further expansion and improvement of the airport's infrastructure. In 1955, Queen Elizabeth II opened Heathrow's first proper passenger terminal, the Queen's Building, marking a significant milestone in the airport's development.
The impact of World War II on Heathrow Airport's development extended beyond the immediate post-war years. As air travel became more accessible to the general public in the post-war era, London faced the challenge of expanding its aviation capacity. This led to the reopening of a newly renovated Gatwick Airport in 1958, which soon attracted prominent airlines. The emergence of Gatwick Airport as a significant aviation hub highlighted the need for "London Airport" to have a more distinctive name to avoid confusion with other airports serving London. As a result, in 1966, the airport was officially renamed Heathrow Airport, reflecting its location near the hamlet of Heath Row.
In summary, World War II had a profound impact on the development of Heathrow Airport. The war efforts led to the requisitioning of land and the construction of a military airfield, which later transitioned into a civil airport serving London. The post-war years brought about a shift in purpose, and Heathrow Airport quickly grew in importance as a hub for commercial travel. The increasing accessibility of air travel to the everyday person further influenced the airport's development and led to the need for a unique name, resulting in the adoption of “Heathrow Airport” in 1966. Today, Heathrow Airport stands as a testament to the evolution of aviation in the United Kingdom, with its history deeply intertwined with the events of World War II.
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The Queen's role
The Queen has played a significant role in the history of Heathrow Airport, which was officially known as London Airport until 1966.
In 1955, Queen Elizabeth II opened Heathrow's first proper passenger terminal, the Queen's Building. In a speech, she acknowledged the importance of the airport, stating, "London Airport will I am sure continue to grow in importance as one of the world centres of air traffic." The Queen's Building was designed by the British architect, Frederick Gibberd, and featured a public viewing platform on its roof. It also included amenities such as a post office, cinema, lecture hall, and restaurant.
In 1964, a documentary titled "City of the Air" was filmed at Heathrow, showcasing its growing significance in aviation.
By 1966, with the rise of Gatwick Airport, it became necessary to rename London Airport to Heathrow Airport to avoid confusion with other airports serving London, such as Gatwick and Stansted. This name change occurred in September 1966, marking a significant shift in the airport's identity.
Over the years, Heathrow Airport has continued to expand and develop, becoming one of the busiest and most famous airports in the world. It has welcomed over 2.5 billion passengers since its establishment in 1946, and it remains a central hub for global aviation.
In 2014, a new chapter began with the opening of Terminal 2: The Queen's Terminal. This terminal was inaugurated by United Airlines, further solidifying Heathrow's position as a prominent international airport.
Heathrow Airport's history is deeply intertwined with the presence and support of Queen Elizabeth II, who has played a pivotal role in its growth and recognition as a major global travel hub.
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London Airport's renaming
London's primary and largest international airport, Heathrow, has undergone several name changes and expansions since its inception in the early 20th century. The airport's history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of aviation and the changing landscape of London and its surroundings.
In the 1920s, the site that would become Heathrow Airport was primarily farmland and market gardens. In 1925, RAF officer Norman Macmillan made a forced landing in the area, noting the flatness of the land, which he deemed ideal for an airfield. This recommendation led to the establishment of the Great West Aerodrome, also known as Heathrow Aerodrome, by Fairey Aviation in 1929. The land was purchased from local landowners, and the site was used for aircraft assembly and testing.
During World War II, the government requisitioned the land, including the aerodrome, to build RAF Heston, a base for long-range troop-carrying aircraft. The existing structures were demolished, and runways were constructed. However, by the end of the war, the RAF no longer required the site, and it was officially handed over to the Air Ministry as London's new civil airport in 1946.
Initially called London Airport, the airport opened to passengers in 1946, with terminals housed in old army tents. By 1951, the annual passenger count had risen to 796,000, and the airport underwent further development, including the construction of permanent buildings designed by British architect Frederick Gibberd. The central terminal area and control tower were opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1955, marking a significant milestone in the airport's history.
As air travel became more accessible to the general public after World War II, London needed to expand its aviation capacity. This led to the reopening of Gatwick Airport in 1958, which soon attracted prominent airlines. With the rise of Gatwick Airport, it became evident that London Airport needed a less generic name to distinguish it from other airports serving London, such as Gatwick and Stansted.
In the last week of September 1966, the British Airports Authority (BAA) officially renamed London Airport as Heathrow Airport, derived from the hamlet of Heathrow, which previously stood near the current location of Terminal 3. The name "Heathrow" helped to establish a unique identity for the airport and avoided confusion with other London airports.
Over the years, Heathrow Airport has continued to expand and develop, adding new terminals and improving infrastructure. It has become a central force in global aviation, consistently ranking among the busiest airports in the world in terms of passenger volume. Despite discussions in the 1990s about renaming the airport after Sir Winston Churchill, the name Heathrow has endured, solidifying its place as a renowned aviation hub.
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Heathrow's global status
Heathrow Airport, also known as London Heathrow Airport, is the primary and largest international airport serving London, England, and the United Kingdom. It is the largest of the six international airports in the London airport system, which includes Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend. Heathrow is located 14 miles (23 km) west of Central London and is owned and operated by Heathrow Airport Holdings.
Heathrow Airport has a long history that dates back to the early 20th century. The area that is now Heathrow Airport was once a semi-rural lane called Heathrow, which divided farmland and heath. In 1915, Fairey Aviation, founded by British aero-engineer and plane builder Richard Fairey, began assembling and flight-testing aircraft from the Northolt Aerodrome, located about six miles north of the modern Heathrow Airport. In 1929, Fairey Aviation purchased 148 acres of farmland near the hamlet of Heathrow, and the land became known as Great West Aerodrome, sometimes called Heathrow Aerodrome. During World War II, the government requisitioned the land to build RAF Heston, a base for long-range troop-carrying aircraft. After the war, the airfield was handed over to the Air Ministry as London's new civil airport and was officially opened on March 25, 1946, as London Airport.
Over the years, London Airport, as it was then known, underwent significant development and expansion. By 1961, the airport had closed its old terminal on the north side, and airlines operated from the Europa terminal (now Terminal 2) or the Oceanic terminal (now Terminal 3). In 1969, Terminal 1 opened, and the airport began accommodating jet aircraft, significantly increasing passenger traffic.
In the last week of September 1966, London Airport was officially renamed Heathrow Airport to avoid confusion with the other airports serving London, namely Gatwick and Stansted. The airport continued to expand and improve its facilities, with the addition of Terminal 4 in 1986 and Terminal 5 in 2008. Today, Heathrow Airport is a bustling international hub, serving over 67 million passengers annually and offering services to over 180 destinations in more than 90 countries. It is recognised as the world's busiest international airport and the second busiest by international passenger traffic. Heathrow is also known for its strong retail presence, with a significant proportion of terminal space dedicated to retail activities.
Heathrow Airport has also been subject to controversy and legal challenges. In 2020, a judicial review was launched against the decision to expand the airport with a third runway, citing concerns about the government's commitments to the Paris climate agreement. While the Court of Appeal initially ruled against the expansion, the Supreme Court overturned this decision in December 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic and investment cost concerns caused further delays, but the expansion plans remain under discussion.
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Frequently asked questions
London Airport was officially renamed Heathrow Airport in September 1966.
The airport was known as London Airport from its opening in 1946 until 1966.
London Airport was renamed to distinguish it from other airports serving London, Gatwick and Stansted.
