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Heathrow’s Delta relocation will see passengers “pay the price” if plans to move the airline to a different terminal proceed, according to Virgin Atlantic.
The airport, situated in west London, announced it will be moving five airlines to different terminals in an effort to streamline operations and make efficient use of capacity.
China Souther, LATAM, Delta, Finnair and Japan Airlines will all be relocated over the next two years, Heathrow has confirmed.
Virgin Atlantic, however, which owns a 49% stake in US airline Delta and operates a partnership through which schedules are coordinated, is less than happy about the move.
The plans would see Delta moving from Terminal 3, where it currently operates alongside Virgin Atlantic, to Terminal 4.
Virgin Atlantic chief executive Corneel Koster said the move would “create friction for customers, weaken competition and reduce choice”, if it was implemented in 2028.
Mr Koster said the company is considering “all available options” to challenge the relocation. It is understood this includes legal action.
“As all other airports seek to co-locate joint venture partners, Heathrow has chosen to split ours after more than a decade together,” he said. “If this goes ahead, consumers will pay the price.
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“Our deeply integrated joint venture with Delta at Heathrow underpins the experience and competitive benefits we deliver.
“It enables fast and seamless connections, operational resilience and efficiency, while providing the most meaningful competition to the British Airways-American Airlines joint venture, helping secure lower fares and choice for customers.
“Separating our operations and customer-facing services would undermine these benefits and weaken our joint business. A level playing field for UK-based carriers and their partners is vital for consumers and the UK economy.
“Given Heathrow’s significant market power and the expected impact on UK long-haul competition, we will now consider all available options to challenge this outcome.”
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Following consultation with our airline customers, Heathrow has developed a clear plan to make the best use of current terminal capacity and deliver a better overall experience for passengers, as well as strengthening operational resilience and creating room for growth.
“As demand to travel through Heathrow continues to grow and capacity remains constrained, these five moves will unlock more capacity across terminals, reduce congestion, improve the flow of passengers through the airport and help keep passenger costs down.
“We are committed to working closely with our airline customers as these changes are delivered.” It is understood a consultation has taken place and airlines representing 81% of the airport’s passengers support the move.
