Delta Air Lines chief executive Ed Bastian has opposed Heathrow Airport Limited’s plan to move the carrier from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4 in 2028, separating it from joint-venture partner Virgin Atlantic. Bastian said Delta would pursue “all available remedies” and urged the airport to reconsider. The relocation has not taken effect, and Delta has not specified what steps it may take to challenge the decision.
Delta and Virgin Atlantic have operated from Terminal 3 together for more than a decade, while Virgin is due to remain there. Delta argues that separating the partners could make connections less convenient and disrupt the integrated customer experience they offer. The two airlines also provide a competing transatlantic option for travellers to and from the UK.
Heathrow’s terminal changes followed a review of airline occupancy, with airlines notified of its outcome from 27 October. The airport’s stated aims include using constrained terminal capacity more effectively, reducing congestion, improving passenger flows and making room for growth. Heathrow indicated that airlines representing 81% of its passengers supported the outcome.