Last checked: 15 October 2026. Airlines change terminals, so always confirm yours before you travel.
Quick Answer: Which Terminal Does My Airline Use?
- Terminal 2: Mainly Star Alliance airlines, including Lufthansa, United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines and Air India.
- Terminal 3: Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates and oneworld partners such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas, plus some British Airways long-haul flights.
- Terminal 4: SkyTeam and many non-aligned airlines, including Air France, KLM, Qatar Airways and Etihad.
- Terminal 5: Most British Airways flights, plus Iberia.
To confirm your terminal, check the “operated by” line on your booking and use Heathrow’s official terminal finder.
Heathrow’s Four Terminals at a Glance
Heathrow handled 84.46 million passengers in 2025, representing 28.2% of all UK air passengers, according to the Civil Aviation Authority. With 81 airlines operating across four terminals, knowing where to go before leaving home can save valuable time. Terminals 4 and 5 are on separate sites, so arriving at the wrong one can cause unnecessary delays.
| Terminal | Main alliance or group | Airlines include |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 — Queen’s Terminal | Star Alliance | Lufthansa, United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, ANA, Turkish Airlines, SWISS, TAP, Air India and ITA Airways; also Aer Lingus, SAS, MEA, Icelandair, Eurowings and El Al |
| Terminal 3 | oneworld, plus Virgin Atlantic and Delta | American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Delta, Emirates, IndiGo and some British Airways long-haul flights |
| Terminal 4 | SkyTeam and non-aligned airlines | Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Saudia, Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern, Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Etihad, Vueling and Pakistan International Airlines |
| Terminal 5 | British Airways and IAG | Most British Airways flights, Iberia and Iberia Express |
This table is a general guide, not a complete or permanent airline directory. Heathrow’s official terminal finder should be your final reference before travel.
Why Are Airlines Grouped by Alliance?
Airlines at Heathrow are generally grouped by alliance to make connections between partner airlines easier and to support the airport’s terminal strategy. The approach reflects planning decisions dating back to 2009.
British Airways accounted for around 45% of Heathrow’s scheduled seats in 2024. An independent study for the Civil Aviation Authority put oneworld’s share above 56%, Star Alliance at 18% and SkyTeam at 13%.
These groupings are useful for estimating which terminal you need, but they are not a guarantee. Some airlines operate from different terminals depending on the route, flight or operating carrier.
Which Airlines Have Changed Terminals in 2026?
Heathrow terminal assignments can change when airlines update their seasonal schedules. Recent and planned changes include:
- British Airways: From 29 March 2026, flights to Denver, Bermuda and Phoenix moved from Terminal 5 to Terminal 3. Nashville followed on 1 April, and Barbados on 15 April. Some other routes, including Naples, Lyon, Palma, Faro, Austin, Vancouver and Dallas Fort Worth, moved from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5.
- ITA Airways: Returned to Heathrow on 29 March 2026, using Terminal 2 rather than its former Terminal 4 arrangement.
- Alaska Airlines: Launched its Seattle service from Terminal 3 on 22 May 2026.
Airlines often make terminal changes around the late-March and late-October seasonal schedule updates. The winter schedule begins on 25 October 2026. Aviation media has also reported a British Airways Tampa service move from Gatwick to Heathrow around this schedule change.
What Terminal Changes Are Planned at Heathrow?
Terminal 4 is due for refurbishment work beginning in 2026. Since 23 June, Terminal 4 pick-ups have used the Priority Pick-Up area outside arrivals.
Heathrow’s proposed £10 billion investment plan for 2027–2031 also includes plans to demolish the former Terminal 1 and extend Terminal 2, subject to the necessary permissions.
Why Is Terminal 5 So Busy?
Terminal 5 is Heathrow’s busiest terminal, largely because it handles most British Airways flights. Heathrow’s 2023 passenger figures showed the following split:
| Terminal | Passengers in 2023 |
|---|---|
| Terminal 5 | 33.3 million |
| Terminal 3 | 19.7 million |
| Terminal 2 | 18.1 million |
| Terminal 4 | 8.1 million |
These figures show why it is worth checking the terminal rather than assuming all flights operated by a particular airline use the same building.
How to Check Your Heathrow Terminal Before Travelling
- Check your booking confirmation. Look for the operating airline, especially if your ticket was sold by a partner airline under a codeshare arrangement.
- Use Heathrow’s official terminal finder. Search by airline, destination or flight number on the Heathrow terminal finder.
- Check again a few days before departure. This is particularly important around late March and late October, when seasonal schedules may change.
- Allow enough time for connections. Virgin Atlantic advises allowing around 60 minutes for connections within the same terminal and 90 minutes when changing terminals. Check your own itinerary and airline guidance, as connection requirements vary.
Why Your Terminal Matters for Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Your terminal determines where your driver should take you or collect you. Going to the wrong terminal can mean extra travel time, a missed meeting point or an additional drop-off charge.
Heathrow charges £7 per visit for using the terminal forecourts for drop-off, including taxis and private-hire vehicles. Vehicles cannot wait at the forecourt. Check Heathrow’s current rules before travelling, as arrangements may change.
If you arrive at the wrong terminal, free inter-terminal transport is available. Free trains and buses connect the terminals, including rail services to Terminal 5 and the H30 bus between Terminals 4 and 5. Check the current route and service frequency before setting off. Oyster or contactless payment may be needed to open the rail ticket gates, even where the eligible rail journey itself is free.
Heathrow reported that 46.3% of passengers used public transport in 2025, meaning road transport remained an important part of airport access.
Booking a Pre-Booked Heathrow Transfer
If you are booking a private transfer, give the transfer company your airline, flight number, terminal and flight time. If your airline changes terminals, tell the company as soon as possible so the drop-off or collection arrangements can be updated.
Flying from Heathrow soon? Book a GM Rides Heathrow transfer with your terminal and flight time, and ask whether the drop-off charge is included in your quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which terminal does British Airways use at Heathrow?
Most British Airways flights use Terminal 5, but some long-haul and other selected routes operate from Terminal 3. Routes can change terminals, so check your booking and Heathrow’s terminal finder before travelling.
Is there a Terminal 1 at Heathrow?
No. Terminal 1 closed to passengers in 2015. Heathrow has discussed seeking permission to demolish the former terminal and extend Terminal 2.
How do I get between Heathrow terminals?
Landside passengers can use the free inter-terminal train and bus services. Passengers connecting between flights should follow the purple Flight Connections signs and use the airport’s designated connecting-passenger shuttle service. Follow the instructions for your particular connection.
Should I check my terminal again on the day of travel?
Yes. Check your booking, airline updates and Heathrow’s official terminal finder before leaving for the airport. Terminal assignments can change, and the operating airline may determine which terminal you need.
