A tribute to Heathrow Airport’s 80th anniversary has been unveiled through a commissioned poem etched in giant letters into a nearby field. The artwork, titled “Gateway To The World,” is designed to be seen exclusively by passengers flying above the west London hub. The poem includes the line about being allowed to keep heads up in the clouds. The writer David Larbi created the piece as Heathrow’s first poet-in-residence, aiming to capture the airport’s 80-year legacy, the excitement of air travel, and the people who work daily at Heathrow. Heathrow’s history includes its earlier name London Airport, the first commercial flight on May 31, 1946, and growth from 63,000 passengers in the first year to 84.5 million in 2025. Heathrow also seeks planning permission by 2029 for a third runway.
"A unique tribute to Heathrow Airport's 80th anniversary has been unveiled, with part of a commissioned poem etched in giant letters into a nearby field. The artwork, created by writer David Larbi, is designed to be seen exclusively by passengers flying above the west London hub. Larbi's piece, titled “Gateway To The World”, includes the line: “a place where we're more than allowed to have our heads up in the clouds”."
"Reflecting on the milestone, Larbi stated that the airport has delivered “joy and connection” to people for eight decades. He went on: I'm greatly honoured to be the airport's first poet-in-residence, with an ode that captures Heathrow's 80-year legacy, the excitement and wonder of air travel and all those who work daily to make Heathrow the incredible place it is."
"Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: For 80 years, Heathrow has been the place where journeys begin, where loved ones reunite, and where the UK meets the rest of the world. It has also been a pioneer in the travel industry, setting the standard for exceptional service. This year we're celebrating not only our history, but the humanity that defines every journey through Heathrow and our continued commitment to delivering an extraordinary airport fit for the future."
"The site was initially known as London Airport, becoming Heathrow in 1966. The airport's first commercial flight departed on May 31, 1946 to Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the time, the passenger terminals consisted of ex-military marquees. Some 63,000 passengers used the airport during its first year of operation. That is compared with 84.5 million in 2025. Heathrow is hoping to secure planning permission by 2029 to build a third runway."
Read at www.standard.co.uk
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