24 hours at Europe’s largest airport – Heathrow

Heathrow, Europe’s largest airport, never sleeps. Hundreds of travelers from all over the world pass through its terminals every day, and the life of the airport goes on in a constant and precisely organized rhythm. What does a typical day look like in this fascinating place? We invite you to read 😉

Dawn (5:00-8:00)

From the early morning hours, Heathrow is already in full motion. This is the time of the first wave of arrivals from Asia and departures to European metropolises. The ground staff take their own positions, shops and cafes are opened here, and the terminal is filled with the smell of freshly brewed coffee. There is a lot of traffic on the apron – refueling aircraft, loading luggage and catering. The first queues for check-in appear in the departure halls.

Morning (8:00-12:00)

The time between 8 and 12 is the rush hour. Thousands of travelers go through security checks and loudspeakers inform travelers of departures and arrivals. Restaurants serve breakfast and duty-free shops are under siege. It is also the time of the most intensive work of the security services, which take care of cleanliness at the airport. Hundreds of flights are tracked in operation centers and air traffic controllers are working at maximum concentration.

Noon (12:00-16:00)

The second wave of departures in the afternoon is mainly to North America. In transit zones, travelers are seen waiting for further connections, working on laptops, those who sleep in comfortable armchairs or visiting numerous boutiques. It is also the time of the greatest movement in restaurants. At the same time, there is a logistical challenge in the facilities – sorting thousands of suitcases, controlling systems, maintaining infrastructure in an impeccable state.

Evening (16:00-20:00)

Hours between 16 and 20 are the time of business returns to Europe and evening departures to the Middle East. The business lounges gather travelers in suits, who conduct the last conversations before boarding. For the cleaning services, this is the moment of preparation of the terminals for the night shift. In the arriving part, taxi drivers and a limo waiting for their customers are standing up.

Night (20:00-24:00)

After 8 p.m., the largest wave of traffic slowly descends, although long-haul flights are still carried out. This is the arrival time from North and South America. In some parts of the terminals, maintenance works that cannot be carried out during the day begin. More shops and restaurants are closing down, leaving only round-the-clock points at the disposal of travelers.

Late night (24:00-5:00)

Relative calm at the airport falls after 24 o’clock, although Heathrow never falls asleep completely. On the apron there are already ready planes for morning cruises, service and cleaning of machines are also underway. Passengers awaiting morning calls sleep at the terminals. It is also the time of the greatest activity of the security services and patrols. Cleaning crews are also working hardest, preparing the airport for the next day.

Heathrow is a precision mechanism that works thanks to the thousands of people working at the airport. Pilots and flight attendants, ground staff and flight controllers, shop and restaurant staff, security and maintenance staff all form this remarkable community where thousands of passengers can start or complete their journey safely and efficiently every day.