Looks like BA maybe thinking of dropping Gatwick again

[cornishfrogboy]

I guess that it makes some sense to place all of the aircraft and assets at the one location as they open up, served by two motorways going West (M4) and Southwest (M3) plus those entering the adjacent M25 from the North and East . LHR is also well served by the Tube. It is on the ‘open side’ of London and therefore more easily accessible to the majority of U.K. residents as it takes transitioning round the Capital out of the equation.

In the longer term, it will also make sense to concentrate the various aircraft types on certain locations with Longhauls at LHR and possibly the shorter haul stuff returning to LGW in due course. This will save on duplication of maintenance specialities and ground equipment.

With ETOPS on most, new aircraft now reaching 6 hours, it means that Hub and Spoke operations are coming to an end, with the longer range twinjets flying direct to your chosen destination, with smaller passenger loads and much greater economy plus lower airport landing fees a to b, hence the demise of the B747 and probably soon, the A380, that can only use the largest airports.

In summary, it would seem that BA/IAG are using the shut down as an opportunity to rationalise their operations and save on operating costs.

I am personally and selfishly all for it as whilst I intend flying a fair bit of longhaul in the future years, I have little intention of visiting Europe ever again.. and will never set foot in the Middle East on principle ( Racism by the populations, Human Rights abuses etc).. and if I did, then Bristol, Exeter and even Newquay may meet my needs. I have an intense dislike, when it comes to getting to LGW. It is a nightmare either entering the M25(S) at rush hour the evening before flights or using the disgustingly overcrowded train from Reading.

[NewtoOrlando]

Selfishly, I’m 15 mins from Heathrow so would always opt for flying from there over any other London airport. No trains, no parking or hotel costs. I would use Gatwick if I have to, but i’ve always tried to avoid it!

[Disney45]

Personally I hope they keep the Heathrow flight, flying from Aberdeen or Inverness means that we can get a connecting flight rather than changing Airports in London which is an added bonus.

[Bellasmummy]

We usually try to avoid Heathrow at all costs, Gatwick is so much easier for us to get to, the traffic is usually better and the parking and hotel options much more straight forward.

If we have to use lhr going forward so be it but I fit one will be sad to see the long hauls leave lgw.

[tootsie rolls]

Great more uncertainty, we are booked from Gatwick for the 11th sept this year already booked the night before at premier inn and taxi not sure how long I can continue with this holidays are supposed to be fun to relax 😞

[gavvy]

All to do with slots, at some stage BA will have to start using all its slots again or loose them, with the 747s gone they don't have enough craft at Heathrow to do this so will have to move flights from gatwick.

They cant afford to loose the slots they have, they are worth a fortune and help BA to be the dominant force at LHR

[Gryff]

Our February flights have been moved to Heathrow much better times
We don’t arrive in Orlando till 7pm but gain a full day at the other end and just. 2hour 30 min lay over both ways

[Reunion]

Thankfully I have all future travel booked from Heathrow - which is further for us to travel but sensed it was a safer option.
We're using Miami for our next couple of planned trips and will either stay the night or just push on and drive up.

[enjibenji]

Heathrow for me as only down the m4. I usually pay the extra to fly from there for europe as well. Save the hassle of the m25. I have thought about going from bristol as well.

[duchy]

Originally Posted by tootsie rolls

Great more uncertainty, we are booked from Gatwick for the 11th sept this year already booked the night before at premier inn and taxi not sure how long I can continue with this holidays are supposed to be fun to relax 😞

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I’m at the point I don’t care where my September flight departs from so long as it flys , currently it’s Gatwick which we prefer but if it’s Heathrow , Stansted, Luton , wherever , I’ll take it ! I’ve changed everything so often already it hardly matters