After two years, Heathrow’s most unloved terminal is reopening for passengers departing the airport. Terminal 4 is back but there’s due to be a few changes in hand - here’s a look.

Who’s moving in and when?

Officially, Terminal 4 reopens on 14th June 2022 and continues to be a random combination of global airlines - but with lots from the Middle East. The following airlines are returning to the terminal:

• Skyteam: ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines.

• Oneworld: Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc.

• Non-aligned: Air Algerie, Air Astana, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Serbia, Azerbaijan Airlines, Bulgarian Air, El Al, Etihad, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Oman Air, Royal Brunei, Tunis Air, Uzbekistan Airways.

It should be noted that not all airlines will return at once, for example Etihad and Qatar Airways are showing their flights as departing from Terminal 4 as of the 14th while Malaysia Airlines still shows flights departing from Terminal 2 indefinitely. Some airlines which previously frequented Terminal 4, such as Air France KLM and MEA, have permanently made the switch to Terminal 3 to enjoy better connections with their partners Virgin Atlantic and KLM.

What’s the lounge situation?

Starting with the negatives, Malaysia Airlines and the Skyteam Lounge (below) have both been permanently closed after announcements made during the pandemic. The latter is less surprising as the anchor of Skyteam in Europe, Air France KLM, who had the most departing Skyteam flights from Terminal 4 is now in another terminal. Malaysia Airlines is a bit more confusing as the lounge was quite new and now has two daily services to Heathrow but you might have a better option available…for some circumstances.

Qatar Airways has reportedly upgraded their lounge offering during Covid-19 with a refurbishment and extension of the area. This should improve what was already an excellent experience and will be open to oneworld passengers travelling on a Business or First Class ticket - but not oneworld status holders. While it has not been confirmed, HeadForPoints reported that status passengers in Economy were sent to the Plaza Premium Lounge at Terminal 4.

Elsewhere in the terminal, options include:

• Gulf Air Lounge: unconfirmed if reopening.

• ART & LOUNGE: formerly operated by El Al but then as a Priority Pass Lounge. Unconfirmed if reopening.

• Etihad Lounge: Etihad took over control of their lounge from a third party operator in 2019. Unconfirmed if reopening, however with 3-4 daily flights that it is likely to reopen.

What are the options to get to Terminal 4?

Terminal 4 is slightly more limited in terms of connectivity than the rest of Heathrow due to its location being further away. Direct, stopper services will be possible on the Piccadilly line (as part of the tube network) as well as the newly launched Elizabeth Line - with the regular caveat that if you are coming from East of Paddington you will need to switch trains. The Heathrow Express is also available but you will need to then switch at station “Heathrow Terminal 1, 2 and 3” to the Piccadilly line. This transfer is free if you follow the blue ‘free transfer signs’ and obtain a transfer ticket from the machines.

Final thoughts

The reopening of Terminal 4 represents a big moment for UK travel after the gloom of the past couple of years. While there is a lot of issues to resolve, namely staff shortages, this shows the industry is getting back on its feet. I look forwarding to being able to visit sometime soon as the last time I flew from here was in 2012 with Air France!

Have you flown from Terminal 4? Let us know any comments or tips you have for visiting.