More than 4,000 passengers passed through the new purpose-built £2.5 billion Terminal 2 at Heathrow in its first eight hours of operation yesterday (Wednesday).
The phased introduction of services will eventually see the terminal handle all 23 Star Alliance carriers using the London hub.
United Airlines ran the first of 34 flights using the facility in its first day of operation.
By 12.40, more than 1,800 departing passengers had travelled through Terminal 2 and more than 2,400 passengers had flown in. About 2,000 bags were checked in and 2,300 delivered to the baggage claim belt for collection.
When fully operational, there will be 330 flights a day to 50 destinations by 26 airlines.
Twenty two other Star Alliance airlines operating from Heathrow will move into Terminal 2 over the next six months – the first time all member airlines will be together under one roof at the airport.
Star Alliance chief executive Mark Schwab said: “We have experienced a good start to the day in this brand new facility.
“We are pleased to see the delighted faces of customers enjoying this new travel experience.”
Star Alliance airlines serving Heathrow are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca (from July), Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Thai and United.
Together they operate more than 121 daily flights to 45 destinations in 25 countries.