BAA is ripping out shops at Heathrow in an attempt to cut lengthy security queues after sustained criticism from passengers over its "unacceptable" attitude towards customers.
The firm is even reducing retail space at terminal 5 before it opens next spring.
BAA is often accused of building up its retail empire, which generates half its revenues, at the expense of passengers who languish at security checkpoints before being funnelled through mall-like areas.
After criticism from airlines, politicians and regulators, BAA is eliminating two shops from one of Heathrow's most crowded areas, terminal 3, to make room for two extra security lanes. It will also reduce the floor space allocated to some of the 30 remaining retailers. Terminal 5 is losing a gastropub and a spa to accommodate six more security checkpoints. A further four shops will go at terminal 3 to add more food outlets.
BAA said the moves would reduce the amount of space dedicated to shopping at the terminal but did not reveal the net reduction in retail space. Terminal 3 will retain about 30 shops for passengers to walk past before they get to departure gates. BAA added that the increase in catering outlets was a response to passenger demand. The changes will create an additional 130 seats in terminal 3, but the company did not reveal how many of of them would be in BAA-leased restaurants or in public areas.
Terminal 3 will have 14 security lanes by the end of the nine-month programme, which will also see floor space reduced at existing shops. Retailers with concessions at terminal 3 include Christian Dior, Cigar House and Smythson of Bond Street. The changes at terminal 5 will add six lanes, bringing the total to 20.