Delta CEO Calls Heathrow Move ‘Short-Sighted’

Delta CEO Ed Bastian is pushing back against a planned terminal move at London Heathrow, calling the airport’s decision “short-sighted, deeply disappointing and bad for airline consumers.”

In comments posted Monday on LinkedIn and published by Delta, Bastian objected to Heathrow’s decision to relocate the airline from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4. The move, planned for 2028, would separate Delta from joint venture partner Virgin Atlantic, which would remain in Terminal 3.

Bastian said the airlines’ shared operation has served millions of passengers for more than a decade, providing connections, premium amenities and access to their combined networks. He argued that splitting the carriers would undermine years of investment and the benefits of operating from the same terminal.

Delta will “pursue all available remedies to correct this decision,” he said, urging Heathrow to reconsider. Bastian did not outline specific legal or regulatory steps.

Virgin Atlantic has also challenged the plan. CEO Corneel Koster said separating the two airlines would complicate journeys, weaken competition and reduce passenger choice. The carrier is considering its options to contest the relocation, Sky News reported.

Heathrow says the changes will help ease congestion and make better use of its terminals. The airport began notifying airlines of the outcome of its terminal occupancy review on Oct. 27.

A Heathrow spokesperson told Sky News that the plan followed consultation with airline customers and would improve the passenger experience, strengthen operational resilience and provide room for growth.

Delta is one of five airlines slated to change terminals. Finnair and Japan Airlines would also move from Terminal 3 to Terminal 4, while LATAM would relocate from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2. China Southern would move from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5.

Delta consolidated its Heathrow operation in Terminal 3 in September 2016 to operate alongside Virgin Atlantic. In announcing that move, Delta cited easier connections and last-minute flight changes, along with access to Virgin Atlantic’s premium facilities for eligible passengers.