closes as work on its GBP1 billion replacement gets underway

Passengers will check in at Heathrow's Terminal 2 for the last time on Monday as, after 54 years of service, it is closing to make way for a stunning GBP1 billion replacement.

The airport's first terminal opened in 1955 and fast became a backdrop to the glitterati as icons from the stage and screen passed through its doors. Stars and royalty including The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Gwyneth Paltrow, Princess Grace and Princess Margaret have all used Terminal 2.

Colin Matthews, BAA Chief Executive said: "The closure of Terminal 2 marks an important moment in the modernisation of Heathrow. We look forward to the new Terminal 2 providing a new home for the Star Alliance and a better experience for our passengers, with less impact on the environment."

Lee Hock Lye, Vice President Product and Services, Star Alliancesaid: "The closure and subsequent demolition of Terminal 2 will make way for our new home at Heathrow. This will finally allow our member carriers to operate under one roof at one of the world's largest aviation hubs, placing us on at least an equal footing with others." Work will begin on the new Terminal 2 in 2010 and will open to passengers in 2014. The new Terminal 2, along with a major rebuilding programme ongoing across Heathrow, will ensure the airport remains one of the world's most exciting aviation hubs. Passengers travelling on Air Franceto and from Pariswill be the last to use Terminal 2. From Tuesday 23rd November, Air Francewill operate from Terminal 4 which has been recently transformed with a GBP100 million new check-in and forecourt.

All passengers flying from Heathrow are urged to check their terminal before leaving for the airport at www.heathrowairport.com For further information please contact the BAA Press Office on: 0208 745 7224 Ends

Notes to editors

A short history of Terminal 2 -- 1951 - Construction of Terminal 2 started. The architect was Frederick Gibberd (who also designed the former Heathrow control tower, Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral and London Central Mosque). The original cost for the central terminal area improvements including the road tunnel was GBP21 million -- April 17 1955- The terminal opened and was officially inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen on December 16 1955along with the adjacent QueensBuilding(the former office block, closed in June 2009) and the former control tower. The terminal was originally named the 'EuropaBuilding' -- 1957 - The first non-stop flight from Heathrow to Californiaset a new record for distance and time -- 1961 - The OceanicBuilding(now Terminal 3) opened for long haul flights. The EuropaBuildingbecame home to short haul flights -- 1964 - The Beatles famously travelled through the terminal -- 1965 - The M4 Motorway to Heathrow airport opened -- 1968 - A cargo tunnel opened in 1968, linking Terminal 2 and the rest of central area to the 160 acre cargo site on the south side of the airport -- 1969 - The building was renamed 'Terminal 2' when Terminal 1 was opened -- 1977 - The London Underground link provided the world's first direct connection with an airport -- 1998 - The Heathrow Express direct link to Paddington was opened in 1998.