Delta Vows To Fight Heathrow Terminal 4 Relocation

Delta Air Lines says it will pursue “all available remedies” to challenge the decision by London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to move the U.S. carrier’s operations from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4 in 2028, separating it from joint venture partner Virgin Atlantic.

Delta has joined Virgin in opposing the move, warning that ending more than a decade of co-location would make connections less convenient and weaken competition in the transatlantic market. CEO Ed Bastian described Heathrow’s decision as “short-sighted, deeply disappointing and bad” for customers.

“For more than a decade, our airlines have served millions of customers through our co-located operation in Terminal 3, offering travelers convenient connections, premium amenities and access to an expanded global network,” Bastian said. “Delta and Virgin Atlantic provide UK consumers with a valuable competitive alternative across the Atlantic.”

The airlines have shared Terminal 3 since 2016, allowing connecting passengers to remain within the same terminal. Eligible Delta customers can also use Virgin’s check-in facilities and Clubhouse lounge.

Moving Delta to Terminal 4 would require passengers connecting between the partner airlines to change terminals. LHR provides airside transfer buses, but passengers must clear security again before entering the departure lounge.

Delta owns 49% of Virgin Atlantic. The carriers launched their transatlantic joint venture in 2014, coordinating schedules and commercial activity across their networks. The partnership expanded in 2020 to include Air France and KLM, adding joint marketing, pricing, revenue management and network planning.

Bastian said the move would disregard the investment made in integrating the airlines’ operations. Delta intends to preserve the connecting experience currently offered at Terminal 3 and is urging their airport to reconsider.

Virgin has previously said it is considering ways to challenge the decision, potentially through legal action or a regulatory complaint. The airline argues that its partnership with Delta provides the strongest competitive alternative to the transatlantic joint venture between British Airways and American Airlines.

LHR’s wider reshuffle will move Finnair and Japan Airlines from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4, LATAM Airlines from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2, and China Southern Airlines from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5. The changes are expected to take place within two years. British Airways and Virgin will remain in Terminals 5 and 3, respectively.

Airport leaders said the plan followed consultation with its airline customers and would “make the best use of current terminal capacity and deliver a better overall experience for passengers.”