Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic will resume operations at London Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 3 beginning on July 15.
Terminal 3 has been closed for over a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On resuming operations, Delta will offer nonstop service between Heathrow and Atlanta and New York via John F. Kennedy International Airport. However, U.S. entry restrictions for non-essential travellers from the U.K. still apply.
Currently, Virgin Atlantic destinations such as Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Israel are all classified as ‘Green’ on the U.K. government’s travel list, and travellers will not need to quarantine upon their return to Great Britain.
Corneel Koster, Chief Customer and Operating Officer of Delta, said: ‘We’re delighted to finally be back on our home turf and I know our teams can’t wait to warmly welcome our customers to Terminal 3, as they return to the skies in style, as they fly safe and well with Virgin Atlantic.
‘Whilst it’s a constructive step that many of our customers can imminently enjoy our much-loved facilities, the Government still needs to recognize the US as a ‘Green’ destination. Whilst travel between the UK and US is closed, £23 million in economic value each day is restricted. We urge the UK Government to move the US to the UK’s ‘Green list’ and for the Biden administration to repeal the 212F proclamation for UK travellers.’
‘Moving back to our home in Terminal 3 will allow our customers to once again enjoy the award-winning experience they have missed during the pandemic,’ Nadia Clinton, Delta’s Regional Sales Manager, said in a statement. ‘Our modelling studies conducted with Mayo Clinic put the risk of transmission on a plane traveling between the U.K. and U.S. at 1 in 1 million meaning customers can travel safely. Coupled with the high vaccination rates in both countries, we implore the U.K. Government and Biden Administration to allow non-essential travel to resume.’
With the return of Delta and Virgin Atlantic to London Heathrow, Clubhouse, Revivals lounge and Upper Class Wing will reopen, offering complimentary a la carte menus including five-star dining, smaller tapas dishes, meats and cheeses from the deli and afternoon tea.
