Overview
- Heathrow completed a once-in-a-decade terminal occupancy review that assigns Delta from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4 and also moves Finnair and Japan Airlines to T4, LATAM to T2 and China Southern to T5, with changes set for 2028.
- Delta’s CEO Ed Bastian publicly called the decision “short-sighted” and said the airline will pursue all available remedies to reverse the reassignment.
- Virgin Atlantic’s CEO Corneel Koster has formally objected and said separating the two carriers would complicate journeys and reduce competition, with the airline considering options to contest the plan.
- Heathrow says the reshuffle follows consultation with airline customers and will ease congestion, improve passenger experience and strengthen operational resilience while creating room for growth.
- If the move goes ahead it could force passengers to change terminals for many Delta–Virgin connections, alter access to premium lounges and trigger legal or regulatory disputes that may determine whether Heathrow’s system-wide plan stands.