From this week T3 reopens at Heathrow (15 July), T4 is active for ‘red’ countries incoming passengers, and both runways are operational.

Virgin Atlantic and Delta Air Lines will return to T3 after a 15-month sojourn in T2 due to the pandemic.

The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse will also reopen, welcoming Virgin Atlantic Upper Class customers and Flying Club Gold members as well as Delta’s eligible passengers. Contactless options have been integrated into the system so customers can use QR codes at their seat to place an order from the à la carte menu. It will also be possible to use a single-use printed menu and order from a waiter.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the roof terrace, seated bar stools, deli bar and pool table cannot be used in the Clubhouse. Masks will also be required on entry and when customers are moving around the area.

According to Heathrow airport, airlines will be moved into Terminal 3 on a phased basis over the coming weeks. Announcements will be published on the airport’s website and social media channels “to provide passengers with the correct terminal information ahead of their flights.”

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye commented on the reopening of Terminal 3: “With passenger demand expected to increase when Ministers permit fully vaccinated passengers to travel more freely, Heathrow is getting ready to welcome you back. We have recommenced two-runway operations, and will reopen Terminal 3 from 15 July when all services form Virgin Atlantic and Delta will resume in T3. We’ve invested in the latest technology and enhanced cleaning regimes to ensure you can fly safely from Heathrow this summer.”

Virgin Atlantic is currently operating flights to green list destinations such as Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Israel. Delta is also flying to Atlanta and New York JFK, though restrictions on non-essential travel from the UK to the US are still in place.

The airlines also recently launched a digital health tool for transatlantic travel, which allows customers travelling in either direction between the US and UK to securely upload negative Covid-19 test certificates for upcoming flights.

Terminal 3 had previously been used as a dedicated facility for arrivals from red list destinations, but passengers from these countries will now be taken to T4.  This is for arrivals only.  The airport states that it does “not expect full passenger operations to resume in Terminal 4 this year”.

www.heathrow.com