London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 2 Opens; Queen Unveils New Terminal

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 2 officially opened on the 23rd. The terminal has been named in honor of the British monarch — the Queen’s Terminal. Queen Elizabeth II personally attended the ceremony to unveil the new terminal, giving the event special significance.


▲ London Heathrow Airport's Terminal 2 officially opened on the 23rd. The photo shows flight attendants from the 26 member airlines of the Star Alliance. (Photo / Provided by EVA Air)

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee last year. Going back to 1955, she also officiated at the opening of this terminal. Today, the brand-new Terminal 2 has successfully begun operations in early June. In the future, 23 member airlines of the Star Alliance will operate out of the newly completed Terminal 2 at Heathrow, the UK’s only hub airport.

So far, United Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, and All Nippon Airways have commenced operations. The remaining 19 airlines will gradually move in by the end of November this year to ensure a smooth transition for passengers. Mark Schwab, CEO of the Star Alliance, said: “We are very pleased that after years of careful planning and construction, the Star Alliance’s new home at Heathrow Airport is finally complete. We are also deeply honored that the naming of the new terminal by the British monarch adds great prestige, and the new terminal facilities will provide high-quality service to all Star Alliance passengers.” The Terminal 2 project involved a private investment of up to £1.1 billion, contributing to the UK’s pride as a world-class hub airport.

The 23 member airlines of the Star Alliance account for 20% of the total passenger capacity at Heathrow Airport. This is the first time all Star Alliance members have been consolidated in a single terminal at the airport, offering passengers enhanced travel services, more business opportunities for member airlines, and better working environments for airline staff.

In addition to EVA Air, the Star Alliance airlines operating at Heathrow include Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss International Air Lines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Thai Airways, and United Airlines. These 23 airlines operate over 120 flights daily from Heathrow to 45 cities in 25 countries. Each flight connects to the global service network of the Star Alliance, reaching 1,269 destinations worldwide.