Heathrow has enlisted its very first Poet-in-Residence, critically acclaimed writer David Larbi, to pen a special new poem in celebration of its 80th birthday.
Ahead of its anniversary of the airport’s first flight on 31st May, the piece has been etched in giant letters into a field local to the airport – visible only to those in flight above.
The TikTok star and best-selling author was given access to the entire airport, spoke to over 30 colleagues across the operation, and listened to the many stories that make up Heathrow’s legacy.
Inspired by these encounters, the poem – titled ‘Gateway to the World’ – celebrates British aviation and the airport’s role over the past 80 years as a trusted global hub where possibility, ambition and human connection come together, and the dedication of the people and infrastructure behind every flight.
Larbi captures the excitement and wonder of air travel, positioning Heathrow as more than an airport, but as a gateway that brings the world within reach – connecting millions of passengers safely and smoothly.
David Larbi said: “The best thing about poetry, for me, is bringing people joy and connection – something Heathrow has done in its own way for the past eight decades. 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 CEO Thomas Woldbye comments: “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.”
Heathrow’s first year of operation saw just 63,000 passengers pass through its doors. Today, the airport serves 230 destinations across more than 80 countries, welcoming 84.5 million passengers in 2025 alone – a scale that reflects the extraordinary growth of Heathrow over the past eight decades. In total, more than 2.9 billion passengers have travelled through Heathrow on over 22 million flights since it opened. The most popular destinations over the past eight decades are New York, Dublin, Amsterdam and Paris.
Since runway construction began in 1944 and it officially opened as London Airport in 1946, Heathrow has been more than a transport hub – it has served as the UK’s gateway to the world and the runway for defining national moments.
Over the past eight decades, Heathrow has welcomed historic arrivals and pioneered new eras of travel – from greeting The Beatles in 1964 to launching supersonic passenger flights with Concorde in 1976. When the first non-stop flight to California departed in 1957, flying long haul was a rarity, with a journey to New York in the 1950s taking up to 15 hours; compared with under 7 hours today.
Looking ahead, Heathrow is focused on making journeys even smoother and more reliable for passengers. The world’s most connected airport now operates at capacity so expansion is increasingly crucial – unlocking new routes and airline choice, lower ticket fares and improved terminal spaces. More than 80,000 people currently work at Heathrow, each playing a vital role in keeping the airport moving every day.
Heathrow’s Poet-in-Residence forms part of a wider programme of activity marking Heathrow’s 80th, including: virtual reality binoculars across Terminals for passengers view Heathrow’s iconic archive imagery; commemorative products and offers from brands and restaurants; and competitions with 80 prizes up for grabs.
Watch the film and listen to the poem on Instagram.
Photo credit: London Heathrow Airport
