Heathrow Airport to demolish terminal and boost passenger numbers by 10 million

Heathrow has unveiled a huge expansion plan that will see billions of pounds poured into the airport, capacity increased by 10 million passengers, and a terminal demolished.

Today, the UK's busiest airport revealed its £10billion, five-year plan designed to turn the "extraordinary airport" into one "fit for the future."

Once complete, Heathrow will be able to serve 10 million more passengers a year—a 12% increase in capacity compared to now. Cargo handling will also get a significant boost, with plans to increase freight capacity by 20%.

A redevelopment of the Central Terminal Area is also planned, with new lounges, shops, and restaurants to be installed in several terminals. Heathrow has said space equivalent to ten football pitches will be opened up to passengers across the terminals.

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In a major change, Heathrow bosses will seek planning permission to demolish the old Terminal 1, extend Terminal 2, and build a new southern road tunnel to improve access.

In April 1969, Queen Elizabeth opened the new Heathrow Airport Terminal 1 on the site, then the largest airport terminal in Western Europe. It was used by commercial aviation customers until its closure in 2015.

The terminal has played an important role in the running of Heathrow since then. "The building is still maintained to a very high standard, and the entire building has to be kept fit for purpose for safety and escape route reasons," the airport's website explains. The site also houses the baggage system for Terminal 2.

The plan will have to account for the loss of Terminal 1’s current functions, presumably by moving these facilities and operations into the expanded Terminal 2.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: We’re making good progress on our strategy to become an extraordinary airport—having become Europe’s most punctual major airport so far this year. But our customers want us to improve our international rankings further, as do we. To compete with global hubs, we must invest.

“Our five-year plan boosts operational resilience, delivers the better service passengers expect, and unlocks the growth capacity airlines want—with stretching efficiency targets and a like-for-like lower airport charge than a decade ago. With Heathrow’s UK-based supply chain, this private investment will create jobs and drive national growth during this Parliament. We are ready to deliver the more efficient, sustainable Heathrow that will keep Britain connected to the world.”

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By the end of the five years, Heathrow aims to have 80% of flights leaving on time and 95% of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security.

"The CAA will now review and evaluate our plan. We will support this process alongside our airline partners and look forward to getting started with delivering improvements to make Heathrow an extraordinary airport, fit for the future," a statement from the airport read.