In pictures: Heathrow’s Terminal 2 opens

United Airlines on June 4 became the first airline to fly to London Heathrow's new Terminal 2, with 17 arrivals and the same number of departures scheduled on that day. Andrew Cowie / EPA

The waiting lounge of Heathrow's Terminal 2. The new terminal, expected to handle 20 million passengers annually, was build at the cost of £2.5 billion and will be home to 26 airlines. Andrew Cowie / EPA

Passengers scan their boarding passes in Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport. The terminal's opening will be in phases, with United Airlines starting its flights on June 4 and the other 25 carriers moving in during the following six months. Neil Hall / Reuters

There are 33 retail shops and 17 restaurants inside Terminal 2 of Heathrow Airport. Neil Hall / Reuters

Terminal 2 has 60 check-in gates and 66 self-check-in kiosks and 29 security lanes to handle 20 million passengers a year. Andrew Cowie / EPA

A Bvlgari shop in Terminal 2, one of the 33 stores where passengers can buy duty-free items. Neil Hall / Reuters

The departure lounge of Terminal 2 at Heathrow Airport. Neil Hall / Reuters

Passengers on the first of 34 United flights scheduled for June 4 at Terminal 2 were greeted by staff in Beefeater costumes. Andrew Cowie / EPA

A passenger arrives at Terminal 2 of Heathrow Airport in London. Andrew Cowie / EPA

People wait for arriving passengers at Terminal 2 of Heathrow Airport. Andrew Cowie / EPA

Heathrow’s new £2.5 billion Terminal 2 has welcomed its first passengers on June 4, processing 34 flights carrying 6,000 passengers after operating at just 10 per cent of capacity on its phased-in opening.