London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow Airport — commonly called London Heathrow Airport — is the UK’s principal international airport and the largest airport serving London. Its IATA code is LHR and its ICAO code is EGLL. The airport is in the London Borough of Hillingdon, west of central London.
Quick Facts About Heathrow Airport
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport name | London Heathrow Airport / Heathrow Airport |
| IATA code | LHR |
| ICAO code | EGLL |
| Location | Hillingdon, Greater London, England, UK |
| Airport type | International public airport |
| Opened | March 25, 1946 |
| Operator | Heathrow Airport Holdings |
| Passenger terminals | 4: T2, T3, T4 and T5 |
| Runways | 2 operational runways |
| Primary hubs | British Airways and Virgin Atlantic |
| Official website | Heathrow official website |
| Wikipedia | Heathrow Airport — Wikipedia |
| Airport contact centre | 0344 335 1801 |
| Terminal Drop-Off Charge enquiries | 0333 200 7459 |
| Airport address | Heathrow Airport Limited, The Compass Centre, Nelson Road, Hounslow, Middlesex, TW6 2GW |
| Postal address | Heathrow, PO Box 887, 3 Manor Court, Exeter, EX1 9YT |
Important Heathrow Airport Contact Numbers
| Purpose | Contact number | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| Heathrow general contact centre | 0344 335 1801 | General airport enquiries |
| Terminal Drop-Off Charge | 0333 200 7459 | Questions about terminal drop-off charges |
| Terminal 2 assistance/help point | +44 (0)20 8757 2700 | Passenger assistance |
| Terminal 3 assistance/help point | +44 (0)20 8757 2700 | Passenger assistance |
| Terminal 4 assistance/help point | +44 (0)20 8757 2700 | Passenger assistance |
| Terminal 5 assistance/help point | +44 (0)20 8283 6415 | Passenger assistance |
| Airport lost property — UK | +44 (0)844 824 3115 | Items lost at Heathrow |
| Airport lost property — international | +44 (0)20 3761 1800 | Lost property enquiries from overseas |
| UK emergency services | 999 | Police, fire, ambulance or other life-threatening emergency |
| UK emergency services alternative | 112 | Emergency services |
| Police non-emergency | 101 | Non-urgent police matters |
| British Transport Police | 0800 40 50 40 | Non-emergency incidents involving Heathrow rail services |
| British Transport Police text | 61016 | Discreet reporting of non-emergency rail incidents |
Heathrow Airport Emergency Numbers
🚨 Police, Fire and Ambulance
999 is the primary UK emergency number. 112 also works throughout the UK and connects callers to emergency services.
Call 999 or 112 for:
- A serious medical emergency
- Fire or smoke
- Immediate danger to life
- A crime in progress
- Serious accident
- Immediate threat of violence
- Security emergency
For police matters that are not emergencies, use 101.
🚆 Heathrow railway emergencies
For non-emergency incidents affecting Heathrow’s railway stations or trains, British Transport Police advises passengers to use 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016. For an urgent police response, call 999.
Airport operational emergency number
Heathrow’s published operational-safety documentation gives 020 8759 1212 as an external telephone/mobile number for reporting certain airside incidents; this is primarily an operational/airside reporting number, not a replacement for the public 999 emergency service.
Heathrow Airport Terminals
Heathrow currently operates four passenger terminals: Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 is permanently closed to passenger operations. Heathrow’s official terminal directory provides the current terminal information and airline finder.
| Terminal | Main characteristics | Examples of airlines/operations |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 (T2) | Known as the Queen’s Terminal; major Star Alliance and other international operations | Lufthansa, United Airlines, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines and others |
| Terminal 3 (T3) | Major long-haul terminal; strong Virgin Atlantic and international presence | Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Emirates, Qantas, British Airways and others |
| Terminal 4 (T4) | International terminal serving many long-haul and Middle Eastern/Asian/African routes | Qatar Airways, Etihad, KLM, Air France, Delta and others |
| Terminal 5 (T5) | British Airways’ principal Heathrow hub | British Airways, Iberia and selected partner operations |
Frequently Asked Questions About London Heathrow Airport
What is the airport code for Heathrow?
The IATA airport code is LHR and the ICAO code is EGLL.
How many terminals does Heathrow Airport have?
Heathrow has four passenger terminals: T2, T3, T4 and T5.
Is Heathrow Terminal 1 still open?
No. Terminal 1 is no longer used as a passenger terminal. Heathrow’s current passenger operation uses Terminals 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Which terminal does British Airways use at Heathrow?
British Airways primarily operates from Terminal 5, although some flights can operate from Terminal 3. Heathrow’s flight-specific terminal finder should be used for the exact flight.
Which terminal does Virgin Atlantic use?
Virgin Atlantic is principally associated with Terminal 3 at Heathrow. Heathrow describes T3 as the Virgin Atlantic hub.
How do I find my Heathrow terminal?
Use Heathrow’s Which Terminal? search and enter your airline/flight. Terminal allocations can change, including for British Airways flights.
What is Heathrow’s main phone number?
The Heathrow contact centre number is 0344 335 1801.
What number should I call in an emergency at Heathrow?
Call 999 or 112 for a UK emergency involving police, fire, ambulance or immediate danger.
What should I do if I lose my passport or phone at Heathrow?
If you lost it inside the airport, use Heathrow’s lost-property service. If it was checked baggage, contact your airline. The lost-property service lists +44 (0)844 824 3115 for UK callers and +44 (0)20 3761 1800 internationally.
Who handles lost checked baggage at Heathrow?
The airline handles checked baggage, including baggage that is delayed or missing. Heathrow recommends reporting the problem to the airline as soon as possible.
Is Wi-Fi available at Heathrow?
Yes. Heathrow provides free Wi-Fi throughout the airport.
Can I travel between Heathrow terminals for free?
Yes. Heathrow provides free inter-terminal travel, subject to the applicable transport method and ticketing arrangements.
How do I travel from Heathrow to central London?
The principal public-transport options are the Heathrow Express, Elizabeth line and London Underground Piccadilly line, in addition to buses, coaches and taxis.
How early should I arrive at Heathrow?
The appropriate arrival time depends on your airline, destination, check-in arrangements and security requirements. As Heathrow is a large airport, allow additional time if you need assistance, have checked baggage, are unfamiliar with the terminal or have a terminal transfer.
Can I pick up passengers directly outside a Heathrow terminal?
The terminal forecourts are intended for passenger drop-off rather than general waiting/pick-up. Heathrow directs passenger pick-up to its designated car parks and Park & Ride facilities.