Behind the scenes at Heathrow

Heathrow: Britain’s Busiest Airport is back on ITV 1 this evening (8pm 19^th August), for the sixth year running, showcasing what a typical day at the UK’s hub airport was like before COVID-19 struck.

The 12-part series, narrated by British icon and travel-enthusiast, Joanna Lumley, follows a variety of colleagues working across Heathrow as they handle a range of daily challenges – from preventing bird strikes and preparing for bad weather, to helping passengers through security and making sure planes depart on time.

Fans of the show will recognise favourite faces from previous series years, including MET Police duo, Terry and Dave, as well as Estefania making people laugh in Security, airside’s Ian and Hugh keeping the airfield running smoothly, and Passenger Experience Manager Demi, who continues to go above and beyond in his quest to help passengers.     

There are plenty of new stars too, providing entertaining insight into the busy and varied days of the people that keep Heathrow running, from Mo in the Engineering team, showing his baggage toppler invention, to on- airport Border Force dog, Jess and Passenger Experience Managers Lily and Lee. 

Narrator Joanna Lumley said, “I’ve found it fascinating to see behind-the-scenes of Heathrow, Britain’s busiest airport. The series really does reveal how much work goes in to keeping the airport running, especially important as we all look to recover from the pandemic. I can’t wait to fly again and meet all the lovely colleagues who’ve featured in the show.”

Filming for this series came to an earlier than expected end in March, due to the coronavirus lockdown, however, the 22-strong crew captured almost 500 hours of footage across the airport. 

Airfield Operations Officer, Ian Hawkins said, “Filming the series again was fantastic – the crew and I have a great rapport having worked together a few times now, and we had a lot of fun capturing some of the more entertaining moments out on the airfield. Of course, filming took place before COVID-19 struck so it’s interesting to look back on that time in the new series.”

What’s changed?

Whilst much of the programme will be familiar, visits to Heathrow may now look a little different as we’ve implemented new health and safety measures to ensure both passengers and colleagues feel as safe as possible at the airport.

These include:

• UV cleaning robots and anti-viral disinfecting wraps
• A team of 100 hygiene-technicians carrying out enhanced cleaning
• Fly Safe Pit Stops, where passengers can pick up face masks, anti-viral wipes and hand sanitiser free of charge
• Perspex barriers at check-in, security and in some retailers
• Compulsory face coverings
• One-way systems where necessary
• Touchless services available on Heathrow and airline apps

We look forward to welcoming you back, and in the meantime, get your prime-time TV viewing spot ready for 8pm on Wednesday evenings to see Heathrow at work. Or join in the conversation on social media with #BritainsBusiestAirport.