Opened in 1986 by the Prince and Princess of Wales Heathrow Terminal 4 initially served as British Airways’ main hub. This impressive structure boasted innovative features. Arriving and departing passengers were completely segregated a unique design for its time. A departure concourse over half a kilometer long was another distinguishing element. Lord King British Airways’ chairman at the time insisted the terminal be exclusively for the airline. He envisioned all British Airways flights operating from a single terminal a dream still unrealized even after Terminal 5 opened.
However Terminal 4’s design wasn’t ideal for British Airways’ long-haul flights. Its distance from the airport’s central area meant passengers needed buses instead of convenient walkways. Gate areas were too small for large aircraft like the Boeing 747. Baggage transfer was also a challenge sometimes leading to lost luggage. A later automated tunnel helped alleviate this.
Following British Airways’ move to Terminal 5 in 2009 Heathrow Terminal 4 underwent a significant transformation. A £200 million upgrade enabled it to host 45 airlines. The terminal became the base for the SkyTeam alliance. The forecourt was upgraded to improve traffic flow and security. Internal renovations took place between 2009 and 2014. New lounges opened including a SkyTeam lounge Etihad Airways Lounge and others. Two Airbus A380 stands were built in 2009 with two more added in 2015. A new baggage system was also installed. Arrivals areas were completely refurbished by 2017.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a temporary closure in 2020. All flights were suspended. Rail and tube services were halted. Terminal 4 reopened in June 2021 handling arrivals from red-list countries. Rail access remained closed until February 2022. It fully reopened in June that year just in time for the summer travel rush. Today Heathrow Terminal 4 stands as a testament to evolution and adaptation in the world of air travel a vital part of London’s international connectivity.