Heathrow to reopen Terminal 4 in preparation for summer

The airport is still “years away” from passenger numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels.

After being closed for more than two years, Heathrow’s Terminal 4 reopened to travellers today, the airport announced. With the summer peak approaching, the move is expected to free up space in the airport’s other terminals.

“Reopening Terminal 4 will give airlines at Heathrow extra space across the airport, helping them manage the impact additional travel documents continue to have on check-in times,” said John Holland-Kaye, CEO at Heathrow.

Despite expecting a surge in passengers this summer, Holland-Kaye said Britain’s largest airport is “years away” from passenger numbers returning to pre-pandemic levels

This can be noted in the airport’s recorded footfall in May. During this month, 5.3 million passengers travelled through Heathrow, a 21% decrease from what was experienced during the same period in 2019.

Qatar Airways, which flies to Doha, will be the first airline to make the move to Terminal 4. Over the course of the next month 30 different airlines will join this airline in the terminal.

In addition to reopening this terminal, Heathrow has also employed 1,000 new security officers and other colleagues to reduce the check-in times for passengers.

“To help ensure a smooth journey we will ensure head office colleagues are in the terminals helping passengers,” said Holland-Kaye.

While Heathrow airport has been preparing for a resurgent summer travelling, the recent Jubilee weekend saw many cancelled and delayed flights.  

So, those who are concerned about difficulties travelling abroad might feel at ease with a comprehensive travel insurance plan.

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