A Home Office U-turn on transit passengers requiring online ETA permits just to switch aircraft has been welcomed at London Heathrow airport.All non-Europeans who plan to visit Britain without a visa must apply online in advance and pay £10 for an electronic travel authorization (ETA) as of earlier this month. In contrast to nearly every other hub airport in the world, Heathrow required the permit even for those who were changing flights without planning to go through passport control.Airport and airline bosses predicted the demand would send thousands of passengers each day to rivals in continental Europe, where no such rules exist for connecting travellers. Heathrow warned it could lose 4 million passengers each year.

Labour had continued with the policy of Rishi Sunak’s government, with ministers claiming airside transit without an ETA would increase the risk of illegal migration.But the Home Office has now caved to pressure from Heathrow and airlines.

In a statement, it said: “Following feedback from the aviation industry, the government has agreed a temporary exemption for passengers who transit airside, and therefore do not pass through UK border control.”Heathrow’s chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said: “The removal of airside transit passengers from the ETA scheme is the right decision and we welcome it.

“This is a critical move to ensure Heathrow and the aviation industry as a whole can continue to deliver for everyone who depends on our world-leading connectivity.

“It shows that the government is listening to industry concerns and is willing to make the necessary changes to strengthen the UK’s competitiveness and drive economic growth.”

Heathrow handles the vast majority of passengers changing planes in the UK. Manchester airport also has a transit facility, but with far fewer users.

The Home Office also announced an increase in the price of an ETA from £10 to £16. It is not known when the rise will take effect.

Starting on 3 April 2025, all visitors to the UK apart from British and Irish citizens will need an ETA.