London Airport (LHR) – Heathrow Airport
London Airport (LHR) – Heathrow Airport
London Heathrow Airport (LHR): Your Gateway to Global Travel with EcoFlights
As the UK’s largest and busiest airport, London Heathrow Airport (IATA: LHR) plays a central role in the travel experience for millions of passengers each year. Whether you’re flying for business, leisure, or a long-haul connection, Heathrow offers an unmatched combination of global reach, modern facilities, and flight frequency.
At EcoFlights.co.uk, we’re proud to offer thousands of affordable and flexible flights to and from Heathrow, connecting UK travellers to over 200 destinations worldwide. This guide gives you everything you need to know about navigating Heathrow Airport, including terminals, transport, key airlines, and why Heathrow remains the number one choice for UK flyers.
Location and Overview
London Heathrow is located just 14 miles (23 km) west of Central London, making it one of the most accessible airports in Europe. Originally opened in 1929 as a small private airfield, it has grown into a global aviation hub, serving over 80 million passengers per year in pre-pandemic times.
Covering over 12 square kilometres and operating two parallel runways, Heathrow handles more international passengers than any other European airport. It is one of six airports serving London, alongside Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), and Southend (SEN), but remains the most significant in terms of volume and connectivity.
Runways and Operational System
Heathrow operates a two-runway system, with alternating use for takeoffs and landings throughout the day to manage air traffic flow and reduce noise pollution:
Runway 09L/27R: 3,962 metres – primarily used for long-haul and international departures
Runway 09R/27L: 3,660 metres – supports both short- and long-haul operations
Despite high traffic, Heathrow maintains high levels of punctuality, thanks to advanced traffic management systems and continuous operational improvements.
Terminal Overview
Heathrow currently operates four passenger terminals (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5), each designed to handle different airline groups and traveller needs.
Terminal 2 – The Queen’s Terminal
Heathrow’s newest terminal, serving as the hub for Star Alliance members such as Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and United Airlines. Known for its eco-friendly design and modern interiors, Terminal 2 offers extensive shopping, dining, and lounge options.
Terminal 3
Home to many long-haul international airlines, including American Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, and Virgin Atlantic. It also hosts some of the airport’s most luxurious lounges, making it a preferred terminal for premium travellers.
Terminal 4
Used primarily by Middle Eastern and Asian carriers, including Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Malaysia Airlines. Though somewhat detached from the other terminals, Terminal 4 has its own Underground station and efficient shuttle links.
Terminal 5
Exclusively operated by British Airways and Iberia, Terminal 5 is one of the most advanced terminals in the world. It includes state-of-the-art security systems, a spacious departure lounge, and dedicated first- and business-class zones. If you’re flying with British Airways, this is where your Heathrow journey will begin and end.
Airlines and Flight Connectivity
EcoFlights offers direct access to Heathrow’s vast flight network, with routes operated by over 80 international airlines to destinations in more than 80 countries.
Popular destinations available through EcoFlights at Heathrow include:
North America – New York, Toronto, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago
Europe – Paris, Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Athens
Asia – Dubai, Doha, Bangkok, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong
Africa – Johannesburg, Nairobi, Lagos, Cairo
Oceania – Sydney, Auckland
Key airlines at Heathrow include:
British Airways – Heathrow’s largest carrier, offering extensive global coverage
Virgin Atlantic – Major long-haul routes to the US, Caribbean, and Asia
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways – Premium Gulf carriers with global connections
Lufthansa, Air France, KLM – Frequent flights across Europe and global hubs
American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines – Direct routes to key US cities
Ground Transportation: Getting to and from Heathrow
One of Heathrow’s strongest advantages is its excellent ground transport infrastructure, giving passengers multiple ways to access Central London and other parts of the UK.
By Train:
Heathrow Express – The fastest way into London. Non-stop trains to Paddington Station in just 15 minutes from Terminals 2, 3 and 5.
Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) – A new and highly convenient option connecting Heathrow to Central, East, and West London, with stops including Bond Street, Liverpool Street, and Canary Wharf.
London Underground (Piccadilly Line) – A cost-effective solution. Reaches Central London in around 45–50 minutes. All terminals have Underground access.
By Road:
National Express and Megabus services connect Heathrow with cities across the UK.
London black cabs are available at all terminals. Ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow are also supported.
Car rentals are available from major providers including Hertz, Enterprise, Sixt, and Avis, with shuttle services to nearby rental depots.
VIP and Business Services at Heathrow
For premium travellers, Heathrow offers some of the finest business and VIP services in Europe.
Heathrow VIP Terminal – An exclusive experience featuring private lounges, personal check-in, private security, and luxury transfer directly to the aircraft.
Airport Lounges – British Airways’ Concorde Room (Terminal 5), Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse (Terminal 3), and independent lounges such as Plaza Premium Lounge and No1 Lounge cater to both business and leisure passengers.
Fast Track Security – Available to business and premium class travellers for quicker airport entry.
Travel with EcoFlights from Heathrow
At EcoFlights, we specialize in helping you find and book flights from Heathrow at competitive prices. Whether you're flying economy or first class, with or without baggage, on a short-haul European trip or a long-haul holiday to Asia or the Americas, our platform helps you compare and select the best option.
You can use EcoFlights to:
Book one-way or return flights
Compare airlines by baggage allowance, time, fare class, and stopovers
Choose flexible fare options if your travel plans might change
Receive instant e-tickets and confirmation
Add travel extras like insurance, transfers, and airport parking
Our system is designed to help you plan smarter and travel better, starting from the UK’s most iconic airport.
Economic Importance and Future Growth
Heathrow is not just a passenger hub—it’s a cornerstone of the UK’s economy, contributing over £30 billion annually. It supports over 100,000 jobs and plays a key role in trade, business, and tourism.
Looking ahead, Heathrow is planning for further expansion, including the much-debated third runway project, which could increase annual passenger capacity to 130 million. Continued investments in sustainable infrastructure, digital innovation, and global route development are also in progress to ensure Heathrow retains its world-class status.
Why Heathrow Is the Perfect Starting Point for Your Trip
Unrivalled global connectivity
Modern, efficient terminals with excellent passenger services
Multiple options for ground transport to Central London and beyond
Home base for key global airlines and alliance partners
Premium facilities for business and leisure travel
At EcoFlights, we believe that the journey matters as much as the destination. When you choose to fly via Heathrow, you’re starting your trip with convenience, comfort, and a connection to the world.
Ready to Book?
Whether you're planning a short break in Europe, a sunshine holiday in Türkiye, or a long-haul adventure in Asia or the Americas, EcoFlights.co.uk helps you find the best flights from Heathrow in just a few clicks. Start your journey the smart way—search, compare, and book your flight today.
