ONE New online permits for passengers transiting through UK airports could harm Heathrow and lead to a drop in customer numbers for British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

About a third of passengers at London Heathrow are in transit; Currently, the vast majority only need paperwork for their final destination.

But the UK government says future transit passengers will have to apply online for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) – pay £10 and receive a decision “usually” within three days.