Terminal 4 first opened its doors on 1 April 1986, with none other than Prince Charles and Princess Diana there to cut the ribbon. Back then, it was Heathrow’s bold new expansion, a whole 80‑hectare site beyond the south runway, and a sign of things to come for the airport’s growing global ambitions.
For over 20 years, Terminal 4 proudly served as home base for British Airways, before the airline headed over to the newly opened Terminal 5 in 2008. The move kicked off a whole new chapter, bringing in a vibrant mix of airlines and welcoming the SkyTeam alliance, opening the door to new routes, new passengers and fresh energy.
If Terminal 4 has a defining trait, it’s adaptability. In 2009, a major £200 million refurbishment gave the terminal a modern makeover, refreshed check‑in spaces, upgraded lounges and aircraft stands built for giants like the Airbus A380.
Of course, like every corner of the aviation world, Terminal 4 faced unprecedented challenges during the Covid‑19 pandemic. With global travel at a standstill, the terminal temporarily closed its doors. But in true Terminal 4 spirit, it came back stronger, reopening in 2022 with renewed resilience and ready to connect travellers to the world once again.
Turning 40 doesn’t mean slowing down, if anything, Terminal 4 is gearing up for one of its biggest glow-ups yet.
Plans are already underway for a major redesign of the forecourt, car park and welcome areas. This includes greener spaces, better accessibility, next‑generation security and smarter, sleeker infrastructure that reflects Heathrow’s ambitions for a more sustainable, passenger‑focused future.
