The new Terminal 2 at London Heathrow Airport, home to Star Alliance, welcomed its first passengers today, marking the beginning of a refreshed travel experience for more than 12 million Star Alliance members who use Heathrow annually.
United Airlines, a Star Alliance member, is the first carrier to begin operations in the new facility, officially named Terminal 2 | the Queen’s Terminal in honor of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Over the coming six months, all 23 Star Alliance member airlines serving Heathrow will relocate to this terminal, making it the first time the alliance is fully collocated at the airport.
“After many years of planning, construction, testing and fine-tuning, Star Alliance is proud to welcome the first passengers into the new terminal,” said Mark Schwab, CEO of Star Alliance. “It is particularly fitting that one of our five founding members, United, is operating the inaugural flights from this terminal, which raises the bar for alliance customer service and seamless travel at this major hub.”
Designed by lead architect Luis Vidal, Terminal 2 was developed through a partnership between Heathrow Airport, Star Alliance and its member carriers to create a more integrated hub experience at one of the world’s busiest airports. The terminal’s layout and facilities focus on simplifying connections, improving passenger flows and providing consistent service standards across the member airlines.
Passengers using the new terminal can expect upgraded amenities, clearer wayfinding and improved lounge and transfer facilities tailored to frequent flyers and connecting travelers. The consolidation of all Star Alliance carriers in a single terminal is intended to reduce connection times and minimize the stress of transferring between flights, with coordinated check-in, baggage transfer and boarding processes.
Beyond operational benefits, the terminal reflects an emphasis on design, natural light and passenger comfort. The architectural approach aims to create an efficient yet welcoming environment, with spaces intended to accommodate the practical needs of travelers while offering a more pleasant airport experience.
As airlines gradually move operations into Terminal 2 over the next months, passengers can expect a phased transition. Star Alliance and Heathrow will continue to refine systems and services during this period to ensure smooth operations and consistent service delivery across all member carriers once the move is complete.
The opening of Terminal 2 represents a significant milestone for Star Alliance at Heathrow, promising improved connectivity and a more streamlined journey for millions of passengers who rely on this hub each year.