Delta Air Lines is fighting Heathrow Airport’s decision to move it away from Virgin Atlantic, warning that separating the partners will hurt passengers and undermine years of investment. I understand why Delta is upset. But whether that should entitle it to remain in Terminal 3 is a more complicated question.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian issued an unusually pointed public statement on November 2, calling the decision “short-sighted, deeply disappointing and bad for airline consumers.” He argued that sharing Terminal 3 supports convenient connections and a consistent premium experience. Delta intends to challenge the move, saying it “will pursue all available remedies to correct this decision.”
“Delta and Virgin Atlantic provide UK consumers with a valuable competitive alternative across the Atlantic. Separating our operation undermines years of investment and disregards the tightly integrated customer benefits that we offer in our co-located terminal. We are committed to preserving the seamless travel experience for which Delta and Virgin Atlantic are known and will pursue all available remedies to correct this decision. We urge Heathrow Airport Limited to reconsider their decision in favor of a more prudent and thoughtful outcome that puts travelers first and allows competition to flourish at Heathrow.”
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
