layz

Posting here because I'm specifically not talking about BA (I know they're only operating from T5 for the foreseeable future).
I remember reading somewhere (can't remember if it was on here or elsewhere, I can't find it now) that LHR would only operate from T2 and T5 going forward until demand picked up.
It's April tomorrow and I've heard no more since but with LGW closing north and flight numbers are low from T2, 3 and 4 would there not be enough space to operate it all from just T2. It might be possible to move the oneworld T3 flights to T5, possibly even EI to T5 so the UK and Ireland flights are all in the same place.
So does anyone know whether this had been seriously considered?

UKtravelbear

All I've seen on terminal consolidation has been speculation of the BA board once BA announced it was consolidating there and moving T3 flights.

The problem with T5 is that it was set up for BA flighs only using BA specific software. The IB flights that operate from T5 until recently had to be serviced as though they were BA flights not IB ones until they did something with the software after several years.

I'm not sure they would want to do the work to make futher changes for what would be a small number of flights for a relativly short period of time.

If an arline changes terminal it's not as simple as changing a few signs. Staff need to be trained on possibly different fire and security systems but definitly on different lay outs for fire exits etc. That's a complicated exercise in the best of times not so easy now.

lhrsfo

Well, it's happening now. I can see that logistically it's difficult for the airlines involved, but they do have spare staff and not very many passengers. And, presumably, HAL will chip in with some help in the costs of the move, to be paid for from the huge savings from closing down two terminals.

UKtravelbear

Costs saved would only be the marginal ones. Fixed costs will still remain.

But HAL will have lost a massive amount of income not only from landing fees but also the passenger service fees

SKRan

Cathay Pacific has been moved to T2 now. Alliance looks rather irrelevant now.

Prospero

Emirates and PIA will accompany Cathay Pacific on the move from T3 to T2 tomorrow.

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Genius1

And retail revenue!

lhrsfo

Agreed, but they are still costs. If they weren't intending to save money, they wouldn't be forcing airlines to move. It will costs airlines money to move and, I presume, is outside their existing contract. They therefore need incentives to do so.

Alsacienne

T3 now closed. T2 and T5 operating.

Genius1

And T4 still operating for now, although airlines are in the process of moving to T2 to enable T4 to temporarily close.