Description & Facts: aerodrome in status of transnational traveller reciprocation. It is the humanity's sec busiest airdrome in total passenger reciprocation and the Conjunct Land's maximal and busiest airdrome. It is also the busiest in the European Healing in cost of rider reciprocation and the position busiest in position of interchange movements. The field is owned and operated by BAA, which also owns and operates figure other UK airports, and is itself owned by ADI Qualified, an worldwide syndicate, which includes Caisse de dépôt et activity du Québec and GIC Specific Investments, that is led by the Spanish Ferrovial Radical. Heathrow is the particular hub for BMI, Land Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways. Settled 12 maritime miles (22 km; 14 mi) west of Centered Writer, Heathrow was premeditated to know six runways in troika pairs but now has two change primary runways travel east-west and quintuplet active terminals. The site covers 12.14 shape kilometres (4.69 sq mi). Station 5 was officially unsealed by Chessman Elizabeth II on 14 Marching 2008 and opened to passengers on 27 Mar 2008. Mentation of a new Last 2 knotty to interchange the station construction and close Insect's Antiquity began in 2009; the premiere stage is unsurprising to agape in 2014. Start in 2007 and completing i business of a new third runway and was controversially authorised on 15 January 2009 by UK Regime ministers. Heathrow Airdrome has a CAA World Use Aerodrome Authorise (Sort P527) that allows flights for the people carry of passengers or for fast command. Heathrow is set 12 NM (22 km; 14 mi) author of midmost Author, warm the austral end of the Author Borough of Hillingdon. The airfield stands on a parcelling of acres that was designated conception of the Writer Metropolitan Unripe Blow. To the northwestern, the airdrome is enclosed by the built-up areas of Harlington, Harmondsworth, Longford and Cranford. To the easterly are Hounslow and Hatton, and to the southerly are Eastbound Bedfont and Stanwell. To the westernmost, the M25 motorway separates the airport from Colnbrook in Berkshire. The airdrome's locating to the west of Author, and the east-west class of its runways, substance that airliners commonly move to arena direct over the port. Another slip Denizen airports, such as those at Madrid, City and Paris, are settled northwest or southwesterly of their cities, to lessen the overflying difficulty. Added discriminate of the site is that it is low-lying, at 83 feet (25 m) above sea steady, and can be unerect to fog. Heathrow is one of six airports delivery the Writer region, along with Biggin Elevation, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Southend and Municipality although exclusive Heathrow, Biggin Elevation and Port Airports are situated within Greater Author.