By Bev Fearis, published 20/05/20

Delta Air Lines will restart services from Heathrow to the U.S. from this weekend (May 23) with flights to Detroit Metropolitan Airport.

Driven by an increase in demand for cargo, Delta will fly three times a week with incoming flights on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and outbound flights from Heathrow on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Cargo will be transported between London and Chicago, via Detroit, but passengers will only be able to fly on the transatlantic leg of the journey.

With Heathrow Terminal 3 currently closed, Delta’s operation has temporarily moved to Terminal 2, where all lounges are closed and only limited shops are open due to COVID-19.

Flights will be operated using a Boeing 767-300 aircraft with 26 tons of cargo capacity.

“Keeping global supply chains open is more important now than ever and these new services will enable suppliers to meet the needs of their customers,” said Shawn Cole, Vice President – Delta Cargo.

“We’re receiving daily requests for shipments of medical supplies as well as goods that keep businesses in operation. By also opening these services to passengers, we can facilitate essential travel between the UK and the US.”

As part of its COVID-19 safety measures, Delta has capped capacity on all flights and has adjusted the boarding process to give passengers more space.

Passengers will be required to wear a mask or appropriate face covering and will be offered hand sanitisers in wellness kits.