That really is the point as stated by pax britanica.
Would BA and VS fly to so many North American cities if it wan't for the transfer traffic. Would BA fly to so many cities in France, in Spain, in Germany, in Italy, etc., if it wan't for the transfer traffic to their longhaul at LHR. Would BA have a presence in India outside Bombay and Delhi, if it wan't for the transfer traffic?
Without transfer pax many destinations would be unviable, reducing choice for those starting and/ending their flights at LHR, and it's the same for any hub airport throughout the world.
Last edited by Fairdealfrank; 2nd Sep 2012 at 17:52.