Heathrow Airport terminal relocation plan sparks controversy
Heathrow Airport's decision to move Delta Air Lines and other carriers to new terminals in 2028 has drawn strong opposition from Delta's CEO.
Heathrow Airport's terminal relocation plan will move Delta Air Lines to Terminal 4 in 2028. The decision, which affects five carriers, has sparked controversy for its potential impact on passenger connections and airline partnerships.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian is opposing the terminal relocation, calling the move short-sighted, deeply disappointing and bad for airline consumers. He argues it undermines years of investment and disregards customer benefits from Delta's joint venture with Virgin Atlantic. The two airlines have been co-located in Terminal 3 for over a decade, sharing facilities and offering seamless connections. Delta owns a 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic.
Airlines Affected
Multiple airlines will be relocated to new terminals as part of Heathrow's once-a-decade review aimed at freeing up capacity and easing congestion. The airport, which is Europe's busiest international airport, began informing airlines of the changes on 27 October.
| Airline | New Terminal |
|---|---|
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal 4 |
| Finnair | Terminal 4 |
| Japan Airlines | Terminal 4 |
| China Southern | Terminal 5 |
| LATAM | Terminal 2 |
Impact on Passengers
The terminal move will affect passengers connecting between Delta and Virgin Atlantic flights. Travelers may need to transfer between terminals for connections, a process that would force them to travel by bus. This could affect connection times. The relocation may also affect premium amenities and global network access for travelers. Bookings for 2028 should be checked for correct terminal information.
Delta serves seven year-round US gateways at Heathrow, while its partner Virgin Atlantic operates year-round to ten US destinations. Their joint venture has operated in Terminal 3 for over a decade. Delta used to occupy Terminal 4 before moving to Terminal 3 in 2016.
Airline Response
Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta Air Lines, is leading the opposition to the terminal relocation. He stated that Delta will pursue all available remedies to correct this decision. The airline is reportedly considering legal action against Heathrow Airport over the terminal move, which it says could disrupt its joint operations and affect competition.
Heathrow Airport claims the move will free up capacity, reduce congestion, and improve passenger flow. The changes are expected to take effect in 2028. American Airlines, which operates year-round to nine US airports at Heathrow, is not among the carriers being moved. Delta's CEO remains defiant, vowing to challenge the plan to protect customer convenience and the airline's partnership.
