City breaks and airports go well together, it’s a fact. So are travel and chaos. It’s hard to imagine a transport point without mess and madness. However, some places, in spite of large numbers passing them manage to keep some form of order and Heathrow is without a doubt, one of them.
Heathrow is the third of the busiest airports in the world. With 67 millions people crossing it annually one would imagine that it will be filled with chaos and disorder but nothing is further from the truth. The airport is orderly ran, with staff that is trained and well used to managing such large numbers daily. And, in a way this is one of the things that makes this London airport so special in the eyes of many travelers.
When looking at Heathrow airport today, it is hard to imagine that it started off as a tiny airfield outside Londond, and for the first 15 years of its existance wasn’t used much for any serious operations. It was in 1944 that it finally got selected for further development, first for military purporses, then opened to the non military traffic also.
Heathrow today comprises of 4 terminals. One handles domestic flights, the others cater for US long haul flights, British Airways services and some non UK carriers. In total, over 90 airlines pass through this airport and depart to over 170 destinations worldwide.
Every terminal is filled with restaurants offering almost every type of food imaginable, shops and various services that can help taking your mind off your travel, and make the waiting time as pleasant as possible in an airport setting while the airport staff can handle your requests in orderly and nice manner.
One of the things that definitely strikes anyone arriving to Heathrow is how much in order it seems. The first time I went there, knowing how many people pass it every year, I expected a chaosaos and disorder. Instead I found a well managed airport, with clear signage, everyone knowing where to go and what to do. Sure, it is still hectic, with people running to catch their flight and so on but it is still much better than I ever imagined it would be.
Heathrow airport is without a doubt a fascinating place and if you ever get a chance to get there, I am sure you will know what I mean.
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By: Thomas Bruhl
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