Heathrow cuts security queues

Airport security queues at Heathrow will be cut by removing shops at Terminal 3 says airport operator BAA.

Two more security lanes will be added at Terminal 3 to create a total of 14. BAA is also reducing the floor space at the remaining 30 shops at Terminal 3, and will remove another four shops to create more food outlets in response to customer demand. The changes will make room for another 130 seats for passengers at Terminal 3.

BAA chief executive, Stephen Nelson, told The Guardian: “In putting passengers’ interests first we are continually looking to balance the need to provide more security channels and seating areas with the needs of passengers who want to use the shops”.

More security lanes will also be created at the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow, which is due to open in March 2008. Six more security lanes will be added by scrapping plans for a gastropub and a health spa to give a total of 20 security lanes at Terminal 5.

BAA’s plans to improve security procedures at Heathrow and attempt to reduce queues at security have been welcomed by airlines. Virgin Atlantic has its base at Heathrow at Terminal 3, and director of communications, Paul Charles, told The Guardian: “BAA has become more customer-centric and that’s to be welcomed. There will always be issues, but BAA is becoming much more aware that it needs to help Heathrow change substantially”.

“Anything which speeds up the journey our passengers take is to be welcomed. Stripping out some of the shops will make a big difference to the speed at which they can get to the departure gate,” added Charles.

BAA has ambitious plans for the food outlets at Terminal 5. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay is set to open a 700m2 restaurant at the terminal and other trendy food and beverage outlets including Apostrophe and Giraffe are also expected to have outlets at Terminal 5.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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