Heathrow has confirmed the extension of a capacity cap imposed to minimise disruption during the peak summer season until October 29.
The airport said the extension of the cap – set at 100,000 daily departing passengers, would “provide confidence” ahead of the October half-term travel period.
However, it said capacity limits would be kept under review and could be lifted sooner should there be a “sustained picture of better resilience” and indications that suppliers, notably ground handlers, had dealt with staff shortages.
The restriction on passenger numbers was introduced in July, when Heathrow also asked airlines to restrict forward sales to reduce traffic and delays. It was initially imposed until September 11, with expectations that an extension to the end of October would follow.
Heathrow said the move had resulted in “fewer last-minute cancellations, better punctuality and shorter waits for bags”, noting that other major gateways including Gatwick, Frankfurt and Schiphol had imposed similar caps, with Schiphol also extending the restrictions to the end of October.
More:Heathrow hails capacity cap improvements in passenger service
Last week, the airport launched a review of ground handling, alongside airlines and ground handling suppliers.
Heathrow chief commercial officer Ross Baker said: “Our primary concern is ensuring we give our passengers a reliable service when they travel. That’s why we introduced temporary capacity limits in July which have already improved journeys during the summer getaway.
“We want to remove the cap as soon as possible, but we can only do so when we are confident that everyone operating at the airport has the resources to deliver the service our passengers deserve.”