Heathrow Confirms Passenger Cap Will End Soon

Heathrow has announced that the previously imposed passenger cap of 100,000 passengers a day will end on the 29th of October. There were fears that this date would be extended again as Heathrow struggled to recruit and train staff but thankfully this isn’t going to happen.

What was the Passenger Cap?

The Cap was brought in by Heathrow Airport in July to prevent last-minute cancellations, delays and baggage issues. It restricted the number of passengers who could use the Airport each day to 100,000. In order to meet this requirement, the Airport required Airlines to restrict passenger numbers and cancel flights. It was initially due to end on the 11th of September but was extended to the 29th of October.

Did the Passenger Cap Work?

Heathrow said, “This cap resulted in fewer last-minute cancellations, better punctuality, and shorter waits for bags.” and that they will “continue to work with all of our airline partners ahead of the winter season to ensure a smooth operation for our passengers.”

Whilst Airlines weren’t impressed (Emirates in particular!) the cap did seem to prevent the vast amount of cancellations and delays seen in the summer. Under 0.5% of flights from UK airports were cancelled in the first week of August, compared with more than 5% in the last week of June, according to figures from aviation data company OAG.

Will this be the last Passenger Cap at Heathrow?

Only time will tell! Passenger levels are naturally lower after the summer season, combined with people affected by the rising cost of living suggests that the numbers this winter may even be lower than the previous cap anyway. Pre-pandemic levels for November & December were under 110,000 so it’s unlikely that Heathrow will need to bring in a Passenger Cap over the winter season.

Heathrow has said they will continue to work with all of their airline partners ahead of the winter season to ensure a smooth operation for our passengers.

Conclusion

Let’s hope Heathrow’s woes are behind it now and we don’t see a return of the summer of chaos either this winter or next summer!