Heathrow Reviews Airline Terminal Allocations

Heathrow Airport Limited has reviewed which terminals airlines use and notified them of its decisions. Reporting says the review includes a proposed move for Delta Air Lines from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4, reportedly beginning in 2028; Heathrow has not confirmed that detail publicly.

Key details

• A Heathrow spokesperson said the changes aim to use capacity more effectively, improve passenger flows and operational resilience, and create room for growth.
• Reporting says Delta and Virgin Atlantic are considering legal options to challenge the proposed terminal decision.
• Reporting cites 2039 as the earliest possible opening for Heathrow's third runway, rather than the previously planned 2035 target.

A Heathrow spokesperson said the terminal changes aim to make better use of capacity and create room for growth.

Why it matters

Terminal assignments shape where passengers check in and connect, and how airlines coordinate their airport operations. A move from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4 would change Delta's Heathrow base and its current terminal arrangement with Virgin Atlantic, if the reported plan proceeds.

What happens next

Heathrow's terminal review could reshape how airlines use space across the airport as it works on passenger flows and capacity. How will the final terminal plan affect airline operations at Heathrow?