Lyca Mobile has partnered with travel connectivity company Sim Local, to launch a new self-service digital eSIM experience based at Heathrow Airport.

The experience is available in Terminal 2 and airside in Terminal 5, providing international travellers with a fully digital, self-service solution to purchase and activate eSIMs instantly through interactive kiosks.

The self-service kiosks are designed to give customers an easy-access service. They enable the user to simply select a plan, provide payment, and the QR code for download will appear on screen. They can then choose to scan and install immediately, or a copy of this is also provided on the receipt.

Furthermore, the service allows passengers to access Lyca Mobile’s range of international data plans, purchase an eSIM, and activate it within minutes without the need for a physical SIM card.

Heathrow Gets Smart with New eSIM Kiosks

As an international airport, Heathrow saw a record 42 million inbound passengers in 2024 and is set to see another record year for 2025. GSMA forecasts suggest that eSIM adoption will reach 6 billion devices by 2028, making the airport the perfect place to reach huge volumes of potential customers.

“We’re proud to partner with Sim Local to bring a new digital eSIM retail experience to Heathrow Airport, offering convenience, choice and speed to customers who can now stay connected at all times. This launch is redefining how holidaymakers connect, providing a digital first solution to mobile connectivity when travelling aboard,”

said Prem Sivasamy, Group Deputy Chairman, Lyca Mobile.

The initiative supports the worldwide shift toward eSIM adoption, with each kiosk offering an intuitive digital journey that helps users to access plans with no queues, no paperwork, and no need for technical support.

“The launch of our new digital experience is key to simplifying mobile access for international travellers, allowing them to focus on enjoying their holidays. Our work with Lyca Mobile will help overhaul the eSIM experience for travellers, creating a seamless customer journey and making international connectivity easier than ever,”

added Sarah McGarr, CEO, Sim Local.

Sim Local Cemented Its Heathrow Presence in 2024

In 2024, Sim Local expanded its physical presence at Heathrow Airport with two new store openings—one in Terminal 4’s arrivals hall and another in Terminal 2’s baggage claim area. These locations, strategically placed to serve high volumes of inbound non-EU passengers, complemented Sim Local’s existing store network and laid the groundwork for its broader push into digital eSIM experiences now being realized in 2025.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Travel Connectivity

The rollout of Lyca Mobile and Sim Local’s self-service eSIM kiosks at Heathrow isn’t just another tech upgrade—it signals a pivotal shift in how connectivity is delivered and consumed by global travelers. As traditional roaming models continue to lose favor due to high costs and complexity, the demand for seamless, flexible, and affordable connectivity has reached new heights. What we’re witnessing is the travel sector catching up with broader telecom trends: automation, digitization, and customer empowerment.

This initiative reflects similar advancements in airports like Changi and Dubai, where digital-first connectivity options are rapidly becoming standard. But Heathrow’s scale, paired with the ease-of-use design of these kiosks, could make this deployment a blueprint for other global hubs. It also places Lyca Mobile in direct competition with digital-first eSIM providers like Airalo, Airhub, and Nomad, who have historically dominated online distribution but lack physical presence and impulse accessibility.

By blending the tactile reliability of airport retail with the digital flexibility of eSIM, this partnership doesn’t just answer current demand—it anticipates the future. As global eSIM adoption accelerates and tech-savvy travelers expect instant, frictionless service, this hybrid model could become the new norm in international travel infrastructure.