Heathrow Airport's Terminal 1, which opened in 1969 and was once the largest airport terminal in Western Europe, is currently being demolished. The terminal closed in 2015 after 46 years of operation, and the demolition process is expected to take five to ten years. According to the airport, the building is being kept "fit for purpose for safety and escape route reasons" even after its closure, with up to 200 people at a time using it for emergency service training drills.
A Landmark of Post-War Internationalism
Terminal 1 was formally opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1969. At the time, it was Western Europe's largest airport terminal, symbolizing post-war internationalism. However, its prominence was short-lived, as it ceased operations in 2015.
During the 1990s and 2000s, the terminal underwent significant developments. A new pier was constructed to accommodate the growing fleet of modern aircraft, and additional extensions were completed in 2005. These included a more spacious departure lounge, additional shopping and dining options, and increased seating capacity.
Closure and Transition to Terminal 2
The terminal's closure came as no surprise to many travellers, as flights were increasingly operating from other terminals, including the newly built Terminal 5. These newer facilities were better equipped to handle modern aircraft and higher passenger numbers. Following Terminal 1's closure, Terminal 2 was expanded, a decision seen as more practical than preserving the outdated Terminal 1.
The final departure from Terminal 1 was a flight to Frankfurt, Germany, which left at 9.30pm on June 29, 2015.
Demolition and Ongoing Use
In the years following closure, plans were made for the terminal's gradual dismantling. The demolition process has involved the removal of Viscount House, careful extraction of asbestos, and internal strip-outs, including the removal of staircases and fixtures in baggage hall areas. The Queen's Building in Terminal 1 was also gutted as part of a redevelopment initiative.
Despite being closed to passengers, the terminal has remained in use. According to the airport, it was maintained "to be kept fit for purpose for safety and escape route reasons." The maintenance team worked extensively on the building, and various emergency services used it for training drills. At any given time, up to 200 people could be running through scenarios there.
