Who does what at Heathrow Airport
Running airports is a complex business and Heathrow's owner, BAA, works in partnership with many other organisations to deliver a high-quality service. Here's a breakdown of who is responsible for what.
BAA
- Airbridges: We own and maintain the airbridges linking planes to the terminal buildings. Airlines are responsible for manoeuvring airbridges to the planes.
- Airfield maintenance: We are responsible for safe runway operations and runway lighting.
- Airport utilities: We manage the provision of electricity, heating, water, lighting, fire alarms, etc.
- Baggage – We are responsible for providing and maintaining baggage systems. Airlines manage hold baggage screening and handling.
- Fire service: We have responsibility for all fire service activities at the airport.110 people work in the Fire Service at Heathrow.
- Flight information: BAA operates the flight information display screens in the terminals and online.
- Heathrow Express/Heathrow Connect: We own and operate the Heathrow Express and Heathrow Connect train services from London Paddington to Heathrow.
- Property: Our portfolio is diverse, including offices, airline lounges, business centres, warehouses, fuel facilities, crew reporting centres and aircraft hangars.
- Retail: We develop, let and manage retail units, including car parks, shops, catering outlets, currency exchanges and car hire.
- Roads: We maintain the road network in and around the airport.
- Safety and security: Our number one priority is the security of our passengers. Over half our staff at Heathrow work in security and are responsible for passenger and staff screening as well as general security around the airport.
Airlines
Airlines are responsible for checking-in passengers, delivering hold luggage to its final destination, cargo, providing and fuelling aircraft, boarding passengers, passenger safety and on-board catering. Some airlines employ their own ground handling agents to carry out this work.
Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
Controls all flightpaths and aircraft routes at UK airports, regulates airlines, airports and NATS (see below). The CAA also sets airport charges at the London airports.
Commercial services
Individual businesses provide catering, shopping facilities, car hire, car parking and banking services.
UK Border Agency (UKBA)
Control the import and export of goods and works to prevent illegal activities such as drug, tobacco and alcohol trafficking as well as trade in endangered species and prohibited goods. UKBA are also responsible for passport control; deciding who can enter the country and any deportation or asylum issues.
Metropolitan Police
The aviation branch of the police combats the threat from terrorism while maintaining the safety and security of the airport.
National Air Traffic Services (NATS)
Look after air traffic control and management, ensuring aircraft flying in UK airspace and over the eastern part of the North Atlantic are safely separated.
Public transport operators
National Express and other companies operate long-distance coaches to destinations around the UK. National Express also run the Hotel Hoppa services from local Heathrow hotels. Transport for London and other bus providers run local services to destinations around Heathrow, West London and the Thames Valley. London Underground Piccadilly Line operates to Central London. Taxis leave from all terminals.
