SubscribeThe BAA Aviation Photo Library offers a large collection of Heathrow airport photographs, which as the worlds busiest international airport sees over 67 million passengers fly to over 180 destinations each year.
Heathrow airport began as a military airfield during the First World War and in the 1930's was known as the Great Western Aerodrome and used to assemble and test aircraft. In 1943 the airport was controlled by the Ministry of Air and set to be developed as a Royal Air Force transport base, although they never made use of the airport.
Heathrow Airport, Terminal 3, Virgin Atlantic check-in hall. (CHE04486D) Photo Copyright © BAA Limited
In 1944 construction began on the runways and by the end of World War Two the Ministry of Civil Aviation took control and the airport was opened fully for civilian use in 1946. Twenty years later the airport was renamed after the hamlet Heath row which was demolished to make way for the airport.
Heathrow Airport, airside, Boeing 747 coming in to land with view of London skyline in distance. (CHE02977D) Photo Copyright © BAA Limited
London Underground was extended to Heathrow in 1977 and in 1998 the Heathrow Express train provided a direct rail service to London's Paddington station via a specially constructed line between the airport and the Great Western Main Line.
Heathrow Express train at Paddington station, London, business woman with luggage on platform. (CCS00041) Photo Copyright © BAA Limited
The airport has rapidly grown since this time. Terminal 3 has been redeveloped and modernised and a new Pier and Control Tower have been built. The Control Tower measures 87 metres high and provides a clear 360 degree view.
Heathrow Airport, new Control Tower at final site, aircraft rear in right foreground. (CHE02211) Photo Copyright © BAA Limited
The new Terminal 5 opens in March 2008. Designed by architects Rogers, Stirk, Harbour and Partners, it is the largest single-span building in Britain which took six years to construct at a cost of over £4 billion pounds.
Heathrow Airport, T5A, main terminal building (southern elevation) seen at sunset. (CHE03520D) Photo Copyright © BAA Limited
Although around 90 airlines operate at Heathrow, British Airways will be the sole operator of Terminal 5 after their move from Terminals 1 and 4. Terminal 5 has been built to deliver one of the finest passenger experiences in the world.
Heathrow Airport, T5A (main terminal building),Ground level, baggage reclaim hall. (CHE04460D) Photo Copyright © BAA Limited
From 2009 Terminal 5 will also offer a new form of transport, a world first, which will use half the fuel that existing forms of transport use. The Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) System will consist of 18 battery powered, driverless vehicles which will carry up to four passengers with luggage at a time. Discussions regarding a third run way and new Terminal 6 to meet demands are also under discussion as the airport currently operates at 98.5 per cent capacity.
Heathrow Airport, Terminal 1, airside, business traveller on walkway. (CHE01830) Photo Copyright © BAA Limited
The BAA Photo Library is a rights-managed photo library and has a collection of both airport and aviation photos covering all of BAA's UK Airports, these include Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Southampton, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The content also includes generic airport and aviation images to cater for all our clients needs.
The BAA Photo Library's collection of Heathrow Airport aviation photos cover all aspects of life at Heathrow from arrival through to departures. To find all the Heathrow Airport aviation photos on our site, please go to www.baa.com/photolibrary and select Heathrow in the category search.
If you visit the site and need to find a photo in a hurry then try our Featured Galleries section to view a hand-picked selection of some of the most popular London Heathrow Airport photos.