Huge poem etched in field near Heathrow to mark 80th anniversary of airport

A unique tribute to Heathrow Airport's 80th anniversary has been unveiled, with part of a commissioned poem etched in giant letters into a nearby field.

The artwork, created by writer David Larbi, is designed to be seen exclusively by passengers flying above the west London hub.

Larbi's piece, titled "Gateway To The World", includes the line: "a place where we’re more than allowed to have our heads up in the clouds".

Reflecting on the milestone, Larbi stated that the airport has delivered "joy and connection" to people for eight decades.

He went on: “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.”

The site was initially known as London Airport, becoming Heathrow in 1966.

The airport’s first commercial flight departed on May 31, 1946 to Buenos Aires, Argentina.

At the time, the passenger terminals consisted of ex-military marquees.

Some 63,000 passengers used the airport during its first year of operation.

That is compared with 84.5 million in 2025.

Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: “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 is hoping to secure planning permission by 2029 to build a third runway.