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Protection of Human Rights Against Violations of Religious Freedom

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Protection of Human Rights Against Violations of Religious Freedom

South Korean local government cancels international event with 30,000 participants from 78 countries, causing international damage.

On 29 October, an administrative decision by a South Korean government agency triggered international controversy, raising concerns over religious freedom and resulting in considerable financial loss.

The “Religious Leaders Forum and Graduation Ceremony,” a joint initiative by two prominent religious organisations, was scheduled to take place in Paju, South Korea. The event was anticipated to attract over 30,000 participants from 57 countries, including 1,000 religious leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and Hinduism.

However, the Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation, a public entity under Gyeonggi Province, abruptly cancelled the venue rental without prior notice. This last-minute decision has led to significant financial damage for the international event. Organisers of the event stated that the cancellation constitutes an unconstitutional act of discrimination against a particular religion, violating religious freedom, human rights, and due process of law.

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The hosting organisations, the Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, reported that they had received official confirmation on 23 and 28 October that there was no plan to cancel. They also claimed that the unilateral cancellation was an unreasonable administrative action targeting a specific religious group. They further emphasised that other events scheduled for the same day were unaffected, suggesting that the cancellation was “an administrative decision influenced by opposition from a specific religious group,” which “violates the principle of separation of church and state guaranteed by the Constitution.”

The Gyeonggi Tourism Organisation cited security concerns related to recent North Korean actions and the planned activities of a North Korean defector group as reasons for the cancellation. However, it was noted that other events, such as civilian bike rides and foreign tourist visits to the DMZ, were allowed within the same designated area.

The incident has reignited international debate about religious freedom and tolerance in South Korea. The U.S. State Department’s International Religious Freedom Report has previously raised concerns such as the prosecution of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus and the government’s refusal to approve the construction of a mosque.

The Association for Buddhist National Unification of Korea and the Shincheonji Church of Jesus are calling on the South Korean government to respect religious freedom, uphold human rights, and reverse this unjust decision. They urge international organisations to monitor the situation and take appropriate action to protect religious freedom.

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Little seaside town that’s the best place to live in the country has hidden beach and UK’s smallest harbour

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North Berwick in East Lothian has been named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times thanks to its quick links to Edinburgh and community spirit

A SEASIDE town in Scotland with the country’s smallest harbour has been named the best place to live in the UK.

Located in East Lothian, just 30 minutes from Edinburgh, North Berwick is a quaint seaside town with 8,000 people.

North Berwick in East Lothian has been named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times thanks to its quick links to Edinburgh and community spirit

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North Berwick in East Lothian has been named the best place to live in the UK by The Sunday Times thanks to its quick links to Edinburgh and community spiritCredit: Alamy
Seacliff Beach is a private beach near North Berwick that's popular with surfers and dog walkers - despite the charge to visit

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Seacliff Beach is a private beach near North Berwick that’s popular with surfers and dog walkers – despite the charge to visitCredit: Alamy

Its residents have reason to celebrate because the quiet seaside town was named the best place to live in the UK in 2024 by The Sunday Times earlier this year.

The newspaper analysed factors like schools, transport, culture, green spaces and broadband speed to name the UK’s most livable places.

North Berwick took the first place thanks to its easy connection to Edinburgh, which is just 30 minutes away by train, its thriving high street of independent shops and its community spirit.

The seaside town is backed by a number of sandy beaches, including West Beach and West Bay Beach.

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Beach-goers who want to opt for somewhere quieter, should head to Seacliff Beach to the east of North Berwick.

The Scottish Tourism Board describes it as a “hidden gem” and “largely unspoilt”.

Seacliff Beach is a private beach, which means beach-goers will need to pay to visit, with some holidaymakers citing a £5 parking charge in online reviews.

Despite having to pay to visit, the beach remains popular with surfers and dog walkers.

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The tiny beach also has a tiny sandstone harbour that’s thought to be the smallest of its kind in the country.

For wildlife enthusiasts, there’s also the Scottish Seabird Centre – an award-winning tourist attraction where visitors can watch wildlife through cameras on local islands.

On the cameras, wildlife lovers can spot gannets and puffins on the Isle of May National Nature Reserve, the biggest puffin colony on the east coast of Britain. 

On-site, there’s also the Seabird Café, which has a large seaside sun deck and a gift shop.

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Seasonal boat trips around three neighbouring islands also operate between April and September.

North Berwick is also home to fish and chip shops, ice cream parlours, quirky tearooms, coffee shops and independent shops.

Other attractions include playgrounds, tennis courts and neighbouring golf courses.

Overnight stays in North Berwick don’t come cheap, with hotel rooms in the town from £150 per night.

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There are plenty of other little-known seaside towns and villages to visit in Scotland, including Gearrannan, which consists of nine restored traditional thatched cottages that overlook Garenin Bay in the Scottish Outer Hebrides.

The small cluster of homes was originally built in the 1800s and is very typical of the “blackhouses” that could once be seen scattered throughout the landscape.

Today, the area acts as a living museum to the time, with visitors even able to stay in four of the remaining cottages.

What are the Sun team’s favourite seaside towns?

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THE Sun’s travel team share some of their favourite English seaside towns

Folkestone, Kent

With views of France (on a very clear day), the main attraction is the Harbour Arm, sitting at the edge of the converted train tracks and selling hand-crafted goods and amazing food.

The multicoloured high street with shops and restaurants can’t be missed, my favourites being Burrito Buoy for some amazing margaritas and The Folkestone Bookshop for some novels.

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You’ll need to pack your beach shoes as it has a stony beach over a sandy beach – but after a few drinks at the much loved pilot bar, you’ll hardly care.

Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor

Mousehole, Cornwall

The small sandy bay has retained its chocolate-box charm, crammed with weathered fishing boats and backed by pokey cafes and airy art galleries where seaside-inspired works hang from the walls.

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For impeccable views of a wild sea and homemade grub, head to Rock Pool Cafe which sits atop a craggy cliff and order a ‘make it yourself’ hot chocolate.

There are some impressive coastal walks – but be warned it can be hilly.

Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor

Cleethorpes, North East Lincolnshire

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Accessible on a spit of sand when the tide is out, this quirky little community art project is made up of driftwood, flags and mementoes from those who have visited to admire the huge swathes of golden sands and sparkling waters.

Sadly the original was destroyed in a fire in 2023 but an enthusiastic band of local volunteers are slowly re-building the landmark.

Lisa Minot, Head of Travel

And earlier this year, Sun Travel revealed the best seaside destinations to visit in winter.

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And this other holiday location is getting a huge new tourist attraction.

At the Scottish Seabird Centre, visitors can watch puffins through cameras on the neighbouring islands

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At the Scottish Seabird Centre, visitors can watch puffins through cameras on the neighbouring islandsCredit: Alamy
North Berwick is just 30 minutes from Edinburgh - the Scottish capital

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North Berwick is just 30 minutes from Edinburgh – the Scottish capitalCredit: Alamy

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Miniature Christmas market with gnome-themed twist opens today – & there’s FREE treats

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Lucky passers-by also have the chance to win a special Christmas gnome

LONDONERS were surprised with a delightful twist as the festive season kickstarts – a charming miniature Christmas market featuring gnome-themed stores.

These whimsical stalls, which popped up overnight, were designed to be gnome-height, creating a magical atmosphere.

Lucky passers-by also have the chance to win a special Christmas gnome

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Lucky passers-by also have the chance to win a special Christmas gnomeCredit: swns
The market featured five mini market stalls bringing the festive cheer

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The market featured five mini market stalls bringing the festive cheerCredit: swns

Despite their petite size, the stalls are run by regular-sized staff and visitors can explore the tiny market and enjoy complimentary festive treats.

To add to the excitement, lucky passers-by also have the chance to win a special Christmas gnome, as well as a bag full to brim of seasonal goodies.

The market stalls, standing at an adorable 3.5 feet high, will be open to the public on November 7 and 8 along the scenic Southbank.

David Hills, chief customer officer at Asda, said: “It’s been fantastic to see the response to our Christmas campaign.

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“We’re thrilled that the nation seems to be falling in love with our gnomes, so what better way to celebrate than to bring some playful Christmas cheer to London with our gnome-sized market.

“Visitors will not only get the chance to be up, close and personal with our pint-sized heroes, they’ll also get to sample some of the incredible products which make up our Christmas range in a really fun and unique way.”

The market featured five mini market stalls, all tailored to match the individual passions and personalities of each gnome – Max, Gnibbles, Gnorma, Gnicky and Gnarla.

Head gnome Max was managing the ‘Magical Mince Pie’ stall and perfectionist party planner Gnorma hosted the ‘Glorious Grazing’ stall.

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While surfer dude Gnarla took charge of the ‘Festive Afternoon Sea’ stall, decked out with an assortment of luxurious fish canapes.

Gnome sized market will be open to the public on the 7th and 8th of November along the scenic Southbank

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Gnome sized market will be open to the public on the 7th and 8th of November along the scenic SouthbankCredit: swns
Selection of Magical Mince Pies inside the gnome-sized market

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Selection of Magical Mince Pies inside the gnome-sized marketCredit: swns

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Top restaurants, swim-up rooms, personal trainers and lagoon pools – the best luxury getaways for couples and families

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Discover the perfect luxury getaway, whatever the size of your group

SOMETIMES you just need a holiday with serious luxury.

Breakfast in bed, daily sauna, a fabulous massage? Pure heaven.

Happily, easyJet holidays offers package holidays at unbeatable prices with thousands of four and five-star hotels, so you’ll be spoilt for choice with hundreds of destinations across Europe and beyond.

Discover the perfect luxury getaway, whatever the size of your group

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Discover the perfect luxury getaway, whatever the size of your group

These luxurious properties are ideal for couples but they’re also great for families who simply want to treat themselves.

There’s nothing ordinary about this selection of hotels. They all come with the wow factor and a 100 per cent commitment to indulgence, bookable now at easyJet holidays with a £60pp deposit* and the option to spread the cost for free.

Better still, you can relax in the knowledge that easyJet holidays will match the price if you find the same getaway cheaper elsewhere.

After all, you deserve it.

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Will you be tempted away from the pool at the Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa?

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Will you be tempted away from the pool at the Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa?

Grown-up indulgence

Stella Island Luxury Resort and Spa on Crete’s north coast is a sophisticated, five-star, adults-only haven of tranquillity.

It would be easy to spend your entire day at the serene lagoon-style pool, although come the evening you’ll want to enjoy dining at one of the five à la carte gourmet restaurants.

Their menus offer dishes from around the world, including Mediterranean and authentic Cretan cuisine, sushi, and grilled meat and fish.

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But leave some room for a leisurely cocktail tour around the hotel’s bars, where you’ll be entertained each night with live music and – once a week – traditional Cretan dancing.

Accommodation is a cut above too, with swim-up rooms and overwater bungalows lending your stay a tropical vibe.

You can even go one step further and opt for a villa with its own private pool – the last word in luxury.

The expansive pool at Grand Palladium White Island is the best place to relax

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The expansive pool at Grand Palladium White Island is the best place to relax

Grand Palladium White Island Resort and Spa, on Ibiza’s famous Playa d’en Bossa, is that rare thing: a luxury five-star hotel that caters to the whole family. Everyone gets A-list treatment here.

Four shimmering pools and a spa will keep all ages happy. There’s a cinema and video games room for teens, as well as a fully equipped crèche with soft-play and sleeping areas (now that’s a real luxury).

Luxury is laid on for the whole family at upscale Mitsis Selection Blue Domes

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Luxury is laid on for the whole family at upscale Mitsis Selection Blue Domes

Mitsis Selection Blue Domes on the Greek island of Kos is another family-friendly luxury five-star offering, with nine pools winding their way through the complex as well as a Blue Flag private beach.

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Straight out of the pages of a glossy travel magazine, this is a swanky, stylish option that offers something for all ages.

The rooms are spacious and stylish, with the architecture and interiors blending traditional touches with ultra-modern features.

From a kids’ club and outdoor playgrounds to a cinema and the indulgent Sapphire Spa for adults – as well as eight restaurants – there’s a treat in store for every member of the family.

The inspired waterways of Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa

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The inspired waterways of Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa

Stunning spas

Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa in Turkey is home to a staggering ten pools. It’s a dream for water and wellness fans, located in an enviable spot where the Dalaman River meets the Mediterranean.

This five-star resort is all about spoiling yourself, with an expansive choice of restaurants that cover everything from Turkish street food and Italian cuisine to Japanese and Indian specialities.

Of course, if you can’t decide then the main buffet restaurant is always a safe bet.

Set in beautiful natural surroundings, the resort’s rooms are swish with elegant furnishings and private balconies offering mountain, river or sea views.

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There’s also the luxurious Elysion Spa, with VIP Turkish bath, saunas, a steam room and a relaxation pool.

Drawing inspiration from Turkish traditions and Greek mythology, it offers a peaceful sanctuary where you can truly switch off from the world and focus on your wellbeing.

Take in the panorama from Hotel Domes Aulus Elounda’s pool

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Take in the panorama from Hotel Domes Aulus Elounda’s pool

Hotel Domes Aulus Elounda in Crete is a five-star adults-only gem with serious luxe factor.

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The grand views over the bay, fine dining and ultra-chic decor are only topped by the magnificent infinity pool looking out to sea and the Soma Spa.

Food-wise, there’s plenty to suit all manner of tastes from an international buffet at the Island to a choice of à la carte restaurants that serve Greek, Mediterranean and Asian fare.

This mood-lit retreat specialises in pampering treatments, with a heated indoor pool, sauna, hot tub and Turkish bath.

Modern style meets luxurious detail in Majorca at the Fergus Style Tobago Hotel

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Modern style meets luxurious detail in Majorca at the Fergus Style Tobago Hotel

Royal treatment

Fergus Style Tobago Hotel is an adults-only five-star hotel in Majorca that attracts a seriously stylish crowd.

If you like a sleek, contemporary vibe with deluxe details, this hotel will definitely float your boat.

The rooftop has a breathtaking infinity pool fringed with luxurious loungers, while guest rooms are bright and spacious with elegantly furnished balconies offering views across the bay.

The hotel’s luxury-level status extends to thoughtful extras, including fluffy robes, espresso machines and premium toiletries for round-the-clock pampering.

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And thanks to easyJet holidays taking care of airport transfers for you, the relaxation starts before you even check in.

The serene saltwater pool at palatial Grecotel Amirandes Boutique Resort

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The serene saltwater pool at palatial Grecotel Amirandes Boutique Resort

Grecotel Amirandes Boutique Resort in Crete offers the royal treatment at a five-star hotel designed in the style of a modern-day palace.

You’ll be in thrall to the fabulous atmosphere, with Greek marble, lagoons, palm trees and landscaped gardens around an Olympic-sized seawater pool.

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The epitome of Cretan luxury and serenity, this is a hotel where you’ll want to dress to impress.

Fortunately your easyJet holidays package includes a 23kg baggage allowance per person on all beach breaks, so you can pack a different outfit for every night.

Kick back at the eco-conscious Olivar Suites in Corfu

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Kick back at the eco-conscious Olivar Suites in Corfu

The Olivar Suites, on the Greek island of Corfu, is so named because it’s on the site of an ancient olive grove.

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Blending high-end five-star luxury with elegant, minimalist interiors that reflect the muted tones of the surrounding landscape, this eco-conscious hotel offers yoga, Pilates, personal trainers and spa facilities.

The suites are built with privacy in mind, and you can even book an intimate dinner on the beach beside the crystal clear waters of the Ionian Sea.


Book your beach escape with easyJet holidays today with just a £60pp deposit. Plus there are thousands of free child places available, so there has never been a better time to book

Terms and conditions
*£60pp deposit: £60pp deposit available on all easyJet holidays booked at least 28 days before departure. Final balance due at 28 days. Spread the cost by making payments via your easyJet holidays online account. 

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Transfers and 23kg bag: transfers and 23kg bag on beach holidays included. Transfers and 23kg hold bag on city breaks can be added for a fee. 

Free child places: one free child place for every two full paying adults sharing accommodation is available on selected holidays, where you see the ‘Free child place’ label, subject to availability. Maximum one free child per room. When free child places sell out, the current child price will apply. Sometimes restrictions apply to some rooms. Supplements still apply for optional extras added to the holiday. A deposit is payable for the free child place at the time of booking – this will be deducted from the final holiday balance. The child age limit can vary by hotel. Offer can be changed/withdrawn without notice. 

Unbeatable package holiday prices: easyJet holidays guarantees to beat the price if you find the same ABTA/ATOL protected holiday (inc. same flights and hotel) cheaper elsewhere online within 24 hours of booking with easyJet holidays. T&Cs apply.

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Condor to launch European feeder flights

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Condor to launch European feeder flights

The move is partly to feed its long-haul flights with overseas nationals, but also because Condor objects to the ever higher costs of doing business in Germany

Continue reading Condor to launch European feeder flights at Business Traveller.

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UK’s busiest airport has a massive terminal – that passengers can’t use

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London Heathrow's T1 hasn't been used in nearly 10 years

THE busiest airport in the UK has a massive passenger terminal – that holidaymakers can’t actually use.

London Heathrow passengers may have realised there there are five terminals, but no access to T1.

London Heathrow's T1 hasn't been used in nearly 10 years

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London Heathrow’s T1 hasn’t been used in nearly 10 yearsCredit: Heathrow Press Office
Heathrow Terminal 1 was closed in 2015 in favour of the expanded T2

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Heathrow Terminal 1 was closed in 2015 in favour of the expanded T2Credit: Heathrow Press Office
It is now used as a baggage hall and training facility

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It is now used as a baggage hall and training facilityCredit: Heathrow Press Office

This is because it was replaced by T2, called The Queen‘s Terminal, which opened in 2014, primarily for short-haul flights.

T1 opened in 1968 to passengers, followed by a formal opening by Queen Elizabeth II in 1969.

The record-breaking terminal was the largest of its kind when it opened, being the biggest short-haul terminal in Western Europe.

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It was then massively redeveloped in 2005, doubling the size of the lounge.

However, the terminal closed in 2015, while Terminal 2 was being expanded.

Most airlines were diverted to other terminals, with the last to leave being British Airways.

It has since never reopened to passengers, now being left empty and mainly used for training and baggage.

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The London Heathrow website explains: “A number of emergency service teams, such as the London Fire Brigade, the Ambulance Service, and the Met Police, use various areas in the building for training sessions.

“[But] the main functionality of Terminal 1, however, is to house the baggage system for Terminal 2.

“All of the baggage teams stayed in Terminal 1 as their main base, and all of the bags that are checked into Terminal 2 are processed in the T1 building.

World’s best airport is now in Europe – with cheap flights, record-breaking museums and 317 destinations

“Any disrupted bags that get processed are bought to the ‘purge area’, which is the old international reclaim hall in Terminal 1, and stored there until they are cleared.”

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The terminal could one day be demolished, the airport also said.

It added: “There may be future plans to one day get rid of the building in its entirety to make space for the further expansion of Terminal 2.”

In the mean time, there are four terminal passengers can use at London Heathrow Airport.

The Queen opened T1 in the 60s

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The Queen opened T1 in the 60sCredit: Heathrow Press Office

Terminal 3, opened as the Oceanic Terminal, launched in 1961 for long-haul flights to the US and Asia and was home to the UK’s first moving walkway.

This was followed by Terminal 4 in 1986, with the majority of flights to the Middle East and North Africa.

And the £4.3billion Terminal 5 opened in 2008, also opened by Queen Elizabeth II and is only used by British Airways.

London Heathrow welcomed 61.6million passengers last year, making it the biggest and busiest in the UK.

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The airport has put forward a number of expansion plans, including a third runway and extra infrastructure with estimated costs in the billions.

Elsewhere in the UK, Bristol Airport once flew to New York.

London Heathrow timeline

  • Terminal 1: Opened on 25 April 1969. Terminal 1 was later closed on 29 June 2015 to make way for the expansion of Terminal 2.
  • Terminal 2 (original): Opened on 1 May 1955. The original Terminal 2, also known as the Europa Building, was closed on 23 November 2009 and subsequently demolished to make way for a new Terminal 2.
  • Terminal 2 (new): The new Terminal 2, also known as The Queen’s Terminal, opened on 4 June 2014.
  • Terminal 3: Opened on 13 November 1961. Initially known as the Oceanic Terminal, it was renamed Terminal 3 in 1968.
  • Terminal 4: Opened on 1 April 1986. Terminal 4 is located to the south of the southern runway, away from the other terminals.
  • Terminal 5: Opened on 27 March 2008. Terminal 5 is located to the west of the central terminal area and is the newest of Heathrow’s terminals.

Sadly this hasn’t been the case for 10 years with the majority of flights now being short-haul.

And we were one of the first to try our Manchester Airport’s new private terminal – here’s our verdict.

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Heathrow has huge expansion plans including a third runway

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Heathrow has huge expansion plans including a third runwayCredit: Heathrow Press Office

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Accor to open Sofitel attached to Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2

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Accor to open Sofitel attached to Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2

The 412-room property will be developed by Accor and The Arora Group, and will feature an 11th floor sky bar

Continue reading Accor to open Sofitel attached to Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 at Business Traveller.

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