Overview
- Heathrow published the final results of its once‑in‑a‑decade terminal occupancy review on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and scheduled five airline moves to take effect in 2028.
- The relocations are: Delta, Finnair and Japan Airlines from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4; China Southern from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5; and LATAM from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2.
- Virgin Atlantic said the decision will separate it from joint‑venture partner Delta, called the move damaging to competition and customer experience, and said it will consider legal and other options to challenge Heathrow’s plan.
- Passengers will face practical changes, including Delta losing access to Virgin’s Terminal 3 Clubhouse, more inter‑terminal transfers that can lengthen connection times, and different public‑transport links at Terminal 4.
- Heathrow says airlines representing 81% of its passengers backed the plan and that the reshuffle will ease crowding at busy Terminal 3 and better align carriers with alliance partners, while the five affected airlines account for about 3.5% of annual seats at the airport.