Heathrow Airport Problems Could Last until November
Heathrow is expected to keep its cap on daily flight numbers until after the October school holidays in the UK, raising fears of cancellations and travel woes lasting into autumn.
Travel chaos looks set to continue for months at the UK's biggest airport.
In a letter seen by The Telegraph newpaper, Heathrow has told airlines that staff shortages and absences mean limits on both inbound and outbound flights will be in place until at least October 29.
This comes after the west London airport last week imposed a limit on the number of departing passengers each day to 100,000 over the peak summer period, 4,000 fewer than were scheduled.
The airport has been struggling to cope with a surge in airline passenger numbers since Covid-related restrictions were lifted, leading to scenes of lengthy queues, piles of luggage and last minute cancellations.
Angry travellers including actor Hugh Grant have taken to social media to express their disgust with the airport.
Dear Visitors to the UK, I apologise for the way you are treated on arrival. Terminal 3 Heathrow just now was a disgrace and inhumane. I’m afraid we have the worst Home Secretary in British history. pic.twitter.com/eIRgN9ZeqJ
— Hugh Grant (@HackedOffHugh) July 19, 2022
According to The Telegraph, the letter reveals the Heathrow will cap the number of daily aircraft “movements” – outbound and inbound flights – to 1,100 from July 11 to the end of August, 1,150 in the month of September and 1,200 from October 1 to 29.
Before the Covid pandemic, Heathrow had 1,350 inbound and outbound flights a day.