“Oceanic Terminal” it was called back in 1961. Today we know it as Heathrow Terminal 3.
Terminal 3 opened on November 13, 1961. It was built to handle long-haul flight departures. In 1968, it was renamed Terminal 3. An arrivals building was added in 1970.
Let’s step back in time. Imagine the 1960s. BOAC, Pan American, and TWA dominated operations here. In 1969, Terminal 3 renovated to handle the new Boeing 747. The airport introduced the Boeing 747 on January 23, 1970.
Did you know Terminal 3 had the UK’s first moving walkways? They were quite the innovation back then.
Now, let’s fast forward. From 1987 to 1990, Terminal 3 refurbished for £110 million. In 2006, Pier 6 was completed for £105 million. It accommodates the Airbus A380 superjumbo. Emirates and Qantas operate regular A380 flights from here.
In 2007, the forecourt redeveloped. A new drop-off area and pedestrianized plaza added. Virgin Atlantic got its dedicated check-in area. It is known as Zone A. It features a large sculpture and atrium. As of 2013, Terminal 3 covers 98,962 square meters. That is over one million square feet.
Heathrow Airport Limited plans a £1 billion upgrade. Aircraft piers and the arrivals forecourt will be renovated. A new baggage system connecting to Terminal 5 is under construction. The baggage claim hall will also be improved. Dedicated A380 belts and a better layout are planned.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. All flights from Terminal 3 and 4 suspended. Flights temporarily moved to Terminals 2 and 5. The railway and tube station stayed open. Terminal 3 reopened on July 15, 2021. Virgin Atlantic and Delta resumed operations.
Terminal 3 mainly serves long-haul flights. Virgin Atlantic has a major presence here. American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Delta, Emirates, Iberia, and Qantas are other major users. British Airways, Finnair and Iberia operate some short-haul flights from here.
Most Oneworld alliance members use Terminal 3. These include American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Finnair. Also Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian, and SriLankan Airlines use Terminal 3. British Airways offers some flights too, but mainly uses Terminal 5.
Five SkyTeam member airlines use Terminal 3. These are Aeroméxico, Delta Air Lines, Middle East Airlines, China Airlines and Virgin Atlantic. Delta moved all flights to Terminal 3 on September 14, 2016. This eased connections with Virgin Atlantic.
Emirates is the principal non-aligned airline here. Other non-aligned airlines include Beijing Capital Airlines, Iran Air and LATAM Brasil. During the pandemic, Rwandair and Vistara began flights from Terminal 3. Rwandair announced it would move to Terminal 4 on March 19, 2024.
No Star Alliance airlines use Terminal 3 today. Most Star Alliance airlines now use Terminal 2.
Getting around is easy. Terminal 3 connects to Terminal 2 via an underground walkway. Terminals 4 and 5 are accessible by the Elizabeth line or Heathrow Express. London Underground services also connect to Terminals 4 and 5. Numerous buses run between the Central Bus Station and other terminals.
Terminal 3 links to the M4 motorway. It goes via the M4 spur road and a tunnel. The tunnel runs under the north runway.
Regular rail services serve Terminal 3. Heathrow Central and Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 tube station provide connections. Services run from early morning until around midnight. Heathrow Express operates express trains to London Paddington. The Elizabeth line offers local services. The Piccadilly line of the London Underground also serves Terminal 3.
National Express coaches operate to other London airports. They also go to other cities in the UK.
Terminal 3 has a rich history. It has adapted to changing times. From the Oceanic Terminal to a modern global hub, Terminal 3 continues to evolve. It connects people from around the world.