Heathrow Airport removed its passenger cap on October 29.
The cap limiting the number of passengers departing from the airport’s terminals to 100 000 per day had been in place since July. It was originally set to end on September 11, but this was extended to the end of October.
According to an airport spokesperson, the cap was officially lifted due to fewer last-minute cancellations, improved punctuality, and shorter luggage waiting times.
The Wall Street Journal reports that the airport plans to manage its winter capacity by developing a mechanism to protect existing airline schedules, whereby airlines will be prevented from making changes or additions to schedules during peak periods.
In the case of a severe disruption, a separate emergency measure will also be available to the airport to limit capacity for shorter periods.
