New research conducted amongst 50 airlines operating out of London’s Heathrow airport has found 90% of them believe that the way Heathrow is managed, affects its effectiveness as a hub, citing a lack of engagement and existing services hindering the capability of the airport.
The Heathrow Airline Operators Committee (AOC) released this new research based on data collected from airlines operating across Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5 at London Heathrow Airport, conducted between January and March 2025.
This research also found that 67% of respondents agreed that Heathrow's operation “stifles their ability” to increase investment plans, along with 60% stating that Heathrow is worse than other major airports in terms of terminal quality of service.
“With almost two thirds of airlines surveyed asserting their view that Heathrow’s terminal quality ranks lower than other major airports, and an expansion with significant further investment on the horizon, we must act now,” said Nigel Wicking, chief executive of Heathrow AOC
He continued: “Heathrow Airport Limited’s substantial market power has, for too long, given it an incentive to spend inefficiently and meant that it has acted against the interest of both consumers and airlines.”
These findings come just over one month after a consortium of representative bodies and airlines launched a new campaign, urging the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to conduct a fundamental review into the regulatory framework of Heathrow Airport.
The Heathrow AOC, Arora Group, International Airlines Group (IAG), and Virgin Atlantic came together in February to launch the “Heathrow Reimagined: A Better Hub for Britain” campaign, which aims to work with industry, government and the CAA to achieve reform.
The campaign argues that Heathrow Airport Limited’s market position has led to spending inefficiently, meaning the airport has acted against the interest of both consumers and airlines. Heathrow Reimagined represents the first time these parties have come together, as they believe the airport is not “fit for purpose”.
It has been 15 years since the last major review into UK aviation by the country’s Competition Commission.
Since the campaigns formation, four trade bodies representing the airline, travel and tourism sectors have joined, along with American Airlines and IATA.
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