Inside Heathrow Airport's forgotten Terminal 1 - with only certain people allowed inside

The UK's biggest and busiest airport has an intriguing secret with one of its terminal only open to a select few people.

While most of the tens of millions of who arrive at each year head through the modern terminals, hardly anyone ventures over to the original terminal 1, which was officially inaugurated by the Queen in 1969. In its day it was the largest terminal in Western Europe and stood as a powerful symbol of post-war globalism, but it closed its doors in 2015. Although it still exists - it is not in use and only certain people are allowed in.

As recently as the 90s, a new pier was introduced within to accommodate the burgeoning fleet of modern aircraft. Further extensions were added in 2005 to keep pace with the rapid evolution of international travel, including an expanded departure lounge, additional retail and dining spaces, and increased seating.

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A decade later the terminal closed down, which didn't come as a shock to many, as flights were increasingly taking off and landing at the airport's other terminals, including the newly built terminal 5, which was better equipped to handle modern aircraft and the massive influx of passengers.

As a result of terminal 1's closure, Terminal 2 was able to expand, a move that made more sense than maintaining the outdated Terminal 1. The last flight took off for Frankfurt, Germany, at 9.30pm on June 29, 2015. In the years following the terminal's closure, it was decided that it would be gradually demolished over a five to 10-year period.

Today, the terminal is still maintained and according to the airport itself, is being 'kept fit for purpose for safety and escape route reasons'. The maintenance team, therefore, puts a lot of work into it, but various emergency services also use it for training drills.

At any given time, there could be up to 200 people running through scenarios in there. Back in 2018, some of the assets from inside were stripped and sold off at auction.

As well as advertising displays, luggage carousels - complete air bridges and late baggage chutes - the iconic 'Welcome to Heathrow' sign and 4,000 airport seats were up for sale.

The sale was likely to attract two sets of customers - airport chiefs looking for second hand equipment, many in poorer countries, and memorabilia collectors who may fancy something special. Nigel Naden, of Indassol, Heathrow's asset managers, hoped the sale would attract 'airport enthusiasts' from around the .

"These are all the physical assets which were used to deal with passenger flow," he said. "It is a commercial offering to airports, but the memorabilia is really for enthusiasts and members of the public.

"Collectors will recognise the type face and colour schemes which can only be for Terminal One. If you are in that kind of world, they are of real interest."