Heathrow set out its plans for a two-month cap on passenger numbers in an open letter in July, and urged airlines not to sell additional tickets for the period covered by the cap.
The cap, though, was quickly extended through to 29 October owing to the level of flight demand and the post-Covid operational pressures on the airport, such as staffing.
However, while the decision not to extend the cap has been welcomed, the airport this week signalled it will introduce a new system to manage capacity during peak periods this winter, one it says will prioritise the protection of existing airline schedules.
The Business Travel Association said the policy had pushed up flight costs for business travellers by 30%.
A Heathrow spokesperson said: "We took necessary action in July to introduce a temporary capacity cap which has since been extended through to the end of October. This cap resulted in fewer last-minute cancellations, better punctuality and shorter waits for bags.
"Our focus has always been on removing the cap as quickly as possible – but we will only do so if we are confident that adding in more passengers will not erode the service levels that the cap has secured. We continue to work with all of our airline partners ahead of the winter season to ensure a smooth operation for our passengers.”
Heathrow added its new capping mechanism would restrict major changes or additions to schedules to peak periods.
Business Travel Association chief executive Clive Wratten said the decision would come as some "much-needed good news" for business travellers and the sector sorting them.
"September and October have been hampered by fewer flights during the vitally important post-summer business period, and the removal of the cap will enable business travel to grow again," said Wratten.
"As a direct result, business travellers have been faced with an up to 30% increase on the cost of their flights compared to pre-pandemic prices."
A Virgin Atlantic spokesperson added: “We welcome Heathrow airport’s decision to end the passenger capacity cap from 29 October, ensuring this restriction does not roll into the winter season.
"With the support of partners, we maintain an unwavering focus on getting our customers to where they need to be smoothly, as we look towards the winter travel window, including continued recovering corporate demand.
"Airlines, ground handlers, Border Force and Heathrow airport must now work closely and collaboratively to prepare for upcoming peaks – it’s rightly what consumers expect and deserve.”
TTG has also approached British Airways for comment.
