Open Skies means more Heathrow US flights

The Open Skies agreement will mean more flights from Heathrow airport to the USA from 30 March.

Only four airlines – British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and United Airlines – have been able to fly from Heathrow to the US. But the new Open Skies air treaty between the EU and the US enables any airline to fly from the EU to the USA.

Slots at Heathrow airport are highly prized by airlines because Heathrow is regarded as the best London airport for business travellers. From 30 March BA is switching its flights from Gatwick airport to Heathrow on its routes to Dallas-Fort Worth airport and Houston airport.

British Airways is also increasing the number of flights from Heathrow to New York JFK from 51 a week to 55; from Heathrow to Seattle from 10 a week to 13; and from Heathrow to Washington from 21 to 24 flights a week.

Other airlines are also starting new flights from Heathrow to the USA from 30 March. Air France is starting a daily flight from Heathrow to Los Angeles, while Continental Airlines will begin a twice-daily flight from Heathrow to Houston.

Another US airline, Delta Air Lines, will start twice daily flights from Heathrow to New York JFK. Northwest Airlines, also based in the US, will offer daily flights from Heathrow to Detroit, Minneapolis and Seattle.

Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Northwest Airlines are all part of the SkyTeam alliance, and will base their Heathrow operations at Terminal 4.

Written by: Nick Purdom