At precisely 6:40am, SAS inaugurated its operations at London Heathrow’s state-of-the-art Terminal 2, officially joining Star Alliance’s flagship facility. This marked a significant transition from Terminal 3, where SAS had operated for decades, to the contemporary Queen’s Terminal. The reopening of SAS’s check-in counters at 05:15am was met with celebration, and we were present for the festive launch event, underscoring the airline’s commitment to premium travel from the very first departure.
Terminal 2: The Modern Hub for Star Alliance at London Heathrow
Known as The Queen's Terminal, Terminal 2 stands as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, who presided over its reopening. Originally built for just 1.2 million travelers, the historic structure once accommodated nearly twelve times its intended capacity before being completely redeveloped into today’s technologically advanced terminal.
During an exclusive tour, we observed that lessons from the Terminal 5 launch were carefully applied to ensure seamless passenger flow and operational excellence. Since its reopening, Terminal 2 has maintained smooth operations, solidifying its reputation as a model of efficiency within the industry.
The impressive entrance to The Queen’s Terminal welcomes travelers with open, light-filled architecture and intuitive wayfinding.
Terminal 2 now consolidates all Star Alliance carriers at Heathrow under one roof, streamlining connections and enhancing the alliance’s global network presence. The phased move began with United Airlines, followed by SAS, and was completed with all 26 Star Alliance airlines settling into their new home. In addition to Star Alliance, select carriers like Aer Lingus, Germanwings, and Virgin Atlantic (for UK domestic routes) operate here, leveraging the terminal’s unique capacity for both UK and Irish flights.
Terminal 2 by the Numbers: Capacity, Airlines, and Facilities
Terminal 2 is engineered to accommodate up to 30 million passengers annually, with daily throughput reaching 80,000 travelers. As of 2025, the terminal supports over 180 daily departures to more than 55 destinations, served by 26 international airlines. The £2.5 billion investment in its construction engaged over 35,000 professionals, and today, 24,000 staff work within its expansive footprint.
SAS remains one of Heathrow’s key carriers, now offering 40 daily flights to major Scandinavian destinations—Stockholm, Gothenburg, Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stavanger—totaling over 280 weekly departures.
With a vast area of 210,000 square meters—equivalent to 25 football fields—Terminal 2 comprises two main buildings: T2A (the primary terminal) and T2B (the satellite). T2A features five levels, 12 departure gates (including two equipped for Airbus A380 operations), and 10 aircraft stands, supporting both international and domestic flights. T2A is primarily utilized for European and UK routes.
The open-plan transit hall offers effortless navigation for connecting passengers.
T2B, linked to T2A by a subterranean tunnel, hosts 14 gates and parking stands exclusively for international services.
Based on operational data, approximately 60% of SAS flights depart from T2A, with the remaining 40% utilizing T2B’s international facilities.
Exclusive Lounge Offerings for Star Alliance Travelers
Terminal 2 boasts a collection of six premium lounges, including four dedicated Star Alliance spaces. In T2A, the Lufthansa Lounge serves as the primary Star Alliance lounge and is the designated facility for SAS guests. T2B is home to three additional Star Alliance lounges, operated by United Airlines, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines respectively. Travelers can also access the Aer Lingus Gold Circle Lounge or opt for the Plaza Premium Lounge, which is available for purchase regardless of airline or class. Arriving passengers can refresh at the dedicated arrivals lounge.
Since Lufthansa’s transition to Terminal 2, their lounge in T2A has offered SAS passengers a refined pre-flight experience. For early or late departures outside lounge hours, eligible travelers are directed to either the Plaza Premium Lounge in T2A or United’s Lounge in T2B, based on proximity to their gate.
Streamlined Check-In and World-Class Retail Beyond Security
Terminal 2’s design philosophy draws inspiration from the award-winning Terminal 5, featuring an airy, dual-level transit hall. The upper-level balcony guides travelers seamlessly from check-in to security.
Check-in is organized into three distinct ‘waves’ to optimize efficiency and clarity. The first wave features 66 self-service kiosks for rapid check-in. The second wave provides 60 dedicated desks for baggage drop following kiosk check-in. The third wave offers traditional staffed counters for Business, First Class, and elite frequent flyer members—including SAS Plus and EuroBonus Gold, Diamond, and Pandion guests.
Spacious departure concourse
Check-in operations are distributed across four zones (A-D), with SAS primarily located in Zone D, the most expansive area. Premium check-in desks are situated at C11 and C12, while baggage drop is handled at D1-D4. The SAS ticketing office is also conveniently within Zone D.
SAS premium check-in area
Security features 21 screening lanes—17 standard and 4 dedicated Fast Track lanes for premium and elite passengers. Fast Track is available to SAS Plus travelers and EuroBonus elite members, ensuring a swift passage through security.
Once airside, guests discover an extensive retail offering: 52 shops, 17 bars, and 7 acclaimed restaurants. Highlights include the renowned John Lewis (the first in any airport globally) and The Perfectionists’ Café, curated by Michelin-starred chef Heston Blumenthal, blending culinary artistry with travel convenience.
Terminal 2 Grand Opening: A Historic Milestone for SAS
Terminal 2 Grand Opening
Celebrating a New Era for SAS at Heathrow
At 6:20am, Hans W Dyhrfort, SAS’s UK General Manager, officially opened the new terminal with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, preceding the departure of flight SK 500 to Copenhagen. The occasion was marked by the use of a retro-liveried Airbus A319, paying homage to SAS’s heritage. Immediately following, the inaugural Stockholm service took off, with a flight attendant donning a classic 1950s SAS uniform in tribute to the airline's storied past.
Ribbon cutting before Copenhagen departure
During the event, Dyhrfort reflected on SAS’s original presence at The Queen’s Terminal in 1955, expressing pride in returning to this iconic location after more than half a century. The sense of legacy and renewal was palpable throughout the celebrations.
The crew of the first SAS flight to Stockholm
Throughout the day, festivities accompanied all 21 SAS departures, culminating in the evening. Passengers enjoyed opportunities to participate in photo sessions at the SAS booth and enter social media competitions, where top prizes included luxury holidays. Every departing guest received a commemorative certificate, creating a lasting memento of this landmark day in SAS’s history at Heathrow.
Heathrow’s Vision: Terminal Developments and Strategic Alliances
London Heathrow now operates five advanced terminals, each strategically aligned with global airline alliances to optimize connectivity and passenger experience.
Terminal 1 has been fully decommissioned and is currently undergoing redevelopment as an extension of Terminal 2, further enhancing the Star Alliance presence. Once completed, this expansion will create an even more seamless journey for passengers connecting through Heathrow.
Terminal 2 remains the central hub for Star Alliance and its 26 member airlines, with capacity for future alliance growth and innovation in passenger services.
Terminal 3 houses a diverse mix of international carriers, primarily those unaffiliated with the major alliances, fostering competitive choice for travelers.
Terminal 4 continues as the base for SkyTeam alliance airlines, delivering tailored services for their global network.
Terminal 5, renowned for its architectural excellence, is dedicated to British Airways and other Oneworld alliance members, maintaining its status as a benchmark for premium travel.
SAS baggage drop
SAS’s legacy at Heathrow dates back to 1955, and the airline’s renewed investment in Terminal 2 underscores its commitment to providing exceptional service for Scandinavian and international travelers.
Priority boarding and streamlined connections for SAS’s first flights to Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm further highlight the airline’s focus on efficient, passenger-centric operations.