On 14 June, Terminal 4 will reopen to travellers for the first time in over two years as part of Heathrow’s long-standing plan to ramp up airport capacity ahead of the summer. Qatar Airways will be the first to move, followed by around 30 airlines over the following month.
The move will allow Terminal 4 airlines more check in space and stand capacity as well as access to their premium facilities and will also free up space in Terminals 2, 3 and 5 ahead of the summer peak. Over the last two years, Heathrow has taken the opportunity to refurbish many parts of Terminal 4, including upgrading toilets, air conditioning and hold baggage screening machines.
Local buses, Piccadilly Line underground services and the newly opened Elizabeth line will operate into T4 from June 14, to provide easy access for passengers and colleagues. A wide range of retail, food and beverage outlets will be available, and more will open over the summer as airline occupancy increases.
Overall, the ramp-up plan is on track, though it is not always easy to balance supply and demand during this intense recovery phase. Heathrow Airport is recruiting up to 1,000 new security officers and other staff and is supporting airlines and handlers in its recruitment programmes. Heathrow has increased its customer service team to help manage queues at check in, making sure passengers are ready for security and ensuring people catch their flights.