Colin Matthews, BAA Chief Executive said: "The closure of Terminal 2 marks an important moment in the modernisation of Heathrow. We look forward to the new Terminal 2 providing a new home for the Star Alliance and a better experience for our passengers, with less impact on the environment."

Lee Hock Lye, Vice President Product and Services, Star Alliance said: "The closure and subsequent demolition of Terminal 2 will make way for our new home at Heathrow. This will finally allow our member carriers to operate under one roof at one of the world's largest aviation hubs, placing us on at least an equal footing with others."

Work will begin on the new Terminal 2 in 2010 and will open to passengers in 2014. The new Terminal 2, along with a major rebuilding programme ongoing across Heathrow, will ensure the airport remains one of the world's most exciting aviation hubs. 

Passengers travelling on Air France to and from Paris will be the last to use Terminal 2. From Tuesday 23rd November, Air France will operate from Terminal 4 which has been recently transformed with a £100 million new check-in and forecourt.