From modest beginnings Heathrow has blossomed into one of the world's busiest airports, handling over 64 million passengers each year. With that sort of pressure the strain on facilities sometimes shows.

Airlines at Heathrow

Located to the west of the city, access can be a problem for passengers driving from London. Patience and fortitude are the two prime virtues often needed in handling the congestion. Approaching the airport traffic squeezes into the main terminal complex through a road tunnel which is narrow and often clogged with traffic. Those heading for Terminal 4 at the southern side of the airport find that it is almost in the next county. In fairness access to Heathrow from directions other than central London is better.

All that said BAA - Heathrow's owner - is investing millions in its flagship property to make it more user-friendly. The Heathrow Express train service direct to the city and on-going terminal improvements are aimed at improving the Heathrow experience. There are proposals to improve other transportation links.

The go-ahead to construct Terminal 5 was essential if Heathrow is to cope with the projected increase in traffic during this decade. With over 200 international destinations on the departure screens and a healthy slice of domestic flights airlines are still lobbying for access to the self-styled 'Gateway to the World'.

Major airports tend to suffer from impersonality disorder and Heathrow is no exception. But as Britain's senior player both in passenger and cargo handling it is reasonably efficient and unarguably successful.