Compass secures seven-year catering contract with Heathrow

Compass Group UK and Ireland has been awarded a seven-year contract to provide food and beverage services at Heathrow Airport. 

Operating under the newly launched workplace brand Social at Heathrow, the caterer will serve over 80,000 “Team Heathrow” colleagues across the estate.

The contract includes a mandate to provide colleague catering for the third runway expansion project, including dedicated services for construction teams. 

This comes as the Heathrow board recently approved new investment to initiate formal planning for the runway expansion, targeting operational readiness within the next decade.

Beginning in April 2026, Social at Heathrow will execute a multi-million-pound refurbishment of 11 on-site restaurants. 

The upgrades will focus on frictionless technology, incorporating smart vending and kiosk ordering systems to reduce service times for airport staff.

Compass said sustainability is a central component of the partnership, aligning with the airport’s Connecting People and Planet strategy. 

Initiatives include, implementation of a new food waste management programme at Terminal % and a returnable cup scheme at Heathrow’s HQ, projected to save 170,000 single-use cups from landfill annually.

Robin Mills, CEO of Compass UK and Ireland, said: “We’re delighted to have secured a partnership with Heathrow. With the third runway set to drive future growth, the team recognises our logistical capability to deliver at scale and to support the airport’s expansion.”

Heathrow retail director Fraser Brown added: “Social at Heathrow represents an important investment in the people who keep the airport running. This partnership with Compass will deliver upgraded facilities, better choice, and a more seamless experience.”