Virgin Atlantic and joint venture partner Delta Air Lines have been given the go-ahead by Heathrow to resume operations in Terminal 3 from July 15.
Terminal 3 has been closed for over a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic with the carriers operating from terminal 2 instead.
The airlines said they are looking forward to welcoming customers back onto their “home turf”.
Virgin Atlantic will be flying to destinations including Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Israel which are on the government’s ‘green’ list for international travel, meaning customers are not required to self-isolate on their return.
Delta is operating non-stop services between Heathrow and both Atlanta and New York-JFK, despite entry restrictions for non-essential travelers from the UK remaining in place.
Virgin Atlantic’s Clubhouse, Revivals lounge and Upper Class Wing, which are all based in terminal 3, are also reopening from July 15. Customers will be able to order using a QR code or online with the menu available via an app and table service in place.
Corneel Koster, Virgin’s chief customer and operating officer, said: “We’re delighted to finally be back on our home turf, and I know our teams can’t wait to warmly welcome our customers to Terminal 3, as they return to the skies in style, as they fly safe and well with Virgin Atlantic.
“Whilst it’s a constructive step that many of our customers can imminently enjoy our much-loved facilities the government still needs to recognise the US as a ‘green’ destination. Whilst travel between the UK and US is closed, £23 million in economic value each day is restricted. We urge the UK government to move the US to the UK’s ‘green list’ and for the Biden administration to repeal the 212F proclamation for UK travellers.”
Nadia Clinton, Delta’s regional sales manager, said: “Moving back to our home in Terminal 3 will allow our customers to once again enjoy the award-winning experience they have missed during the pandemic.
“Given current vaccination rates, we know customers can travel safely between our two countries. A recent study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, coupled with robust air filtration systems and mask mandates on board, put the risk of transmission on a plane traveling between the UK and US at 1 in 1 million. We implore the UK and US Governments to allow non-essential travel to resume.”