Heathrow to move Delta, Finnair and JAL to Terminal 4 in 2028

Heathrow has announced the results of its terminal occupancy review, and five airlines are due to change terminals in 2028. Delta Air Lines, Finnair and Japan Airlines will move from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4, China Southern will move from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5, and LATAM will move from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2. The most contested change is Delta's, which separates it from joint-venture partner Virgin Atlantic after years in the same terminal.

The five moves

According to Head for Points, the review began in 2023, with a third consultation launched this summer. Using Cirium data, it puts the five airlines' combined capacity at about 1.83 million seats a year, or 3.5% of seats at Heathrow. Delta is the largest, at roughly 900,000 seats. One Mile at a Time says the airlines represent under 4% of traffic.

Head for Points notes that three airlines are leaving Terminal 3 and none are moving in, which should ease crowding in the oldest terminal at Heathrow. One Mile at a Time says reducing peak-hour pressure on Terminal 3, the second busiest terminal, is the main aim.

Why Virgin Atlantic and Delta object

Virgin Atlantic chief executive Corneel Koster said the move would "create friction for customers, weaken competition and reduce choice", according to One Mile at a Time. Simple Flying reports that Virgin is considering "all available options" and that it fears higher fares.

The airlines argue the decision favours the British Airways and American Airlines joint venture, which is largely based at Terminal 5. Head for Points says Delta will join SkyTeam partners Air France and KLM at Terminal 4, leaving Virgin alone at Terminal 3.

Heathrow's case

Heathrow told Sky News, as quoted by Simple Flying, that the moves will unlock capacity, reduce congestion and help keep costs down. It says airlines representing 81% of passengers back the plan. Head for Points questions this figure, since only 3.5% of seats are affected directly.

Simple Flying notes that Delta was moved into Terminal 3 in 2016 following Heathrow's previous review. Head for Points and Simple Flying give different start dates for the shared arrangement (2013 and 2016 respectively).

What this means for travellers

• Delta and Virgin connections: Simple Flying says transfers could take longer and need extra security screening. Head for Points says passengers connecting to Virgin's Africa and Asia routes would need an inter-terminal bus.
• Lounges: One Mile at a Time says Delta passengers will lose access to Virgin's Clubhouse. Simple Flying names the Air France lounge and the SkyTeam Plaza Premium Lounge as Terminal 4 options.
• Finnair and JAL: both lose the Terminal 3 oneworld lounges. One Mile at a Time says Terminal 4 lounges are not as good. They will join Qatar Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air and Royal Air Maroc.
• Europe connections: Head for Points says Delta passengers gain easier links with Air France and KLM.
• Getting there: Head for Points says Terminal 4 has no direct Heathrow Express service, so rail passengers must change for the Elizabeth Line at Terminals 2 and 3.

The moves are not due until 2028, and it is not yet clear whether Virgin Atlantic's challenge will change them.

Sources: Simple Flying, One Mile at a Time, Head for Points.