Heathrow readies Terminal 4 for summer surge

Following a difficult two years of Covid-19 travel restrictions that led London’s Heathrow Airport to close its Terminal 4 in line with reduced flight activity, the terminal is being prepared for reopening on 14 June. The reopening marks a major part of the airport ramping up capacity ahead of the busy summer season, and Qatar Airways will be the first to move back in, followed by around 30 further airlines over the following month (see below).

Moving back to Terminal 4 will give those airlines more check-in space and stand capacity, as well as access to their lounges, and will also free-up the space they were occupying in Terminals 2, 3 and 5 to help Heathrow operate efficiently in the summer peak. Over the last two years, Heathrow has taken the opportunity to refurbish many parts of Terminal 4 without hindering passengers, including upgrading toilets, air conditioning and hold baggage screening machines.

‘Overall, our ramp-up plan is on track, though it is not always easy to balance supply and demand during this intense recovery phase. We are recruiting up to 1,000 new security officers and other colleagues, and supporting airlines and handlers in their recruitment programmes. We have increased our customer service team to help manage queues at check in, make sure passengers are ready for security, and make sure people can catch their flights,’ read a statement from Heathrow.

Throughout the summer peak, Heathrow is also bolstering its ‘Here to Help’ team, with head office colleagues, including all senior managers, mobilised across four terminals and on hand to assist passengers and answer questions. Passengers should look out for the ‘purple people’, who can help with everything from directions to check-in desks, to advising and assisting with preparing hand luggage for security.

Getting to T4
From 14 June, local buses, Piccadilly Line underground services, TFL Rail and an inter-terminal transfer service will operate into T4 to provide easy access for passengers and colleagues. A range of retail, food and beverage outlets will be available in the terminal, and more will open over the summer as airline occupancy increases.

Airlines returning to Terminal 4
Air Algerie, Air Astana, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Serbia, Azerbaijan Airlines, Bulgarian Air, El Al – Israeli Airlines, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, ITA Airlines, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysian Airlines, Omanair, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Brunei, Saudi Arabia Airlines, TAROM, Tunis Air, Uzbekistan Airways, Vietnam Airlines. Ad hoc or not currently flying: Aeroflot – Russian Airline, Arkia, Israir.