Heathrow Terminal 2 closes

Heathrow's Terminal 2 is closing today, after 54 years of service at one of the world's busiest aviation hubs.

Passengers on an Air France flight to Paris will be the last travellers to see the old Terminal 2. Since opening in 1955, 316 million passengers passed through its doors.

Work on an impressive £1 billion replacement is due to start in 2010. The new terminal is expected to open to passengers in 2014.

Colin Matthews, BAA Chief Executive, said: “The closure of Terminal 2 marks an important moment in the modernisation of Heathrow. We look forward to the new Terminal 2 providing a new home for the Star Alliance and a better experience for our passengers, with less impact on the environment.”

Lee Hock Lye, Vice President Product and Services, Star Alliance, said: “The closure and subsequent demolition of Terminal 2 will make way for our new home at Heathrow. This will finally allow our member carriers to operate under one roof at one of the world's largest aviation hubs, placing us on at least an equal footing with others.”

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Written by: Maxine Clarke, November 23, 2009