Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
To celebrate 80 years of Heathrow, we invited acclaimed British poet and Sunday Times Bestseller David Larbi to become our first Poet-in-Residence.
The result is Gateway to the World, a unique tribute etched into the ground near the airport, designed to be read only from the air by those flying above.
Inspired by conversations with over 30 colleagues across Heathrow, the poem reflects the people, stories and moments that have shaped eight decades of travel. From emotional reunions to journeys that connect the UK with the world, it captures what makes every trip through Heathrow more than just a flight.
Since welcoming its first passengers in 1946, Heathrow has grown into one of the world’s most connected airports. Nearly 3 billion passengers and over 22 million flights later, the airport continues to bring people, places and possibilities closer together.
This film offers a glimpse into that story and the people behind it, through the words of one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary voices.
Discover more about Heathrow’s 80th anniversary and the moments that continue to define every journey.
Want to hear more?
Follow us on X @HeathrowAirport: twitter.com/HeathrowAirport
Follow us on Instagram @Heathrow_Airport: instagram.com/heathrow_airport
Follow us on TikTok @HeathrowAirport: tiktok.com/@heathrowairport
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/HeathrowAirport
To celebrate 80 years of Heathrow, we invited acclaimed British poet and Sunday Times Bestseller David Larbi to become our first Poet-in-Residence.
The result is Gateway to the World, a unique tribute etched into the ground near the airport, designed to be read only from the air by those flying above.
Inspired by conversations with over 30 colleagues across Heathrow, the poem reflects the people, stories and moments that have shaped eight decades of travel. From emotional reunions to journeys that connect the UK with the world, it captures what makes every trip through Heathrow more than just a flight.
Since welcoming its first passengers in 1946, Heathrow has grown into one of the world’s most connected airports. Nearly 3 billion passengers and over 22 million flights later, the airport continues to bring people, places and possibilities closer together.
This film offers a glimpse into that story and the people behind it, through the words of one of the UK’s most exciting contemporary voices.
Discover more about Heathrow’s 80th anniversary and the moments that continue to define every journey.
Want to hear more?
Follow us on X @HeathrowAirport: twitter.com/HeathrowAirport
Follow us on Instagram @Heathrow_Airport: instagram.com/heathrow_airport
Follow us on TikTok @HeathrowAirport: tiktok.com/@heathrowairport
Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/HeathrowAirport
