Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Heathrow passenger numbers fall due to coronavirus impact

Aerospace

Heathrow passenger numbers fall due to coronavirus impact

Passenger numbers at Heathrow Airport have fallen to 5.4 million, down -4.8% on last year after adjusting for the extra leap day, due to lower demand on Asian and European routes following the coronavirus outbreak.

Above: Heathrow Airport Terminal 5.
Courtesy Heathrow Airport

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye, said: “The threat of Coronavirus is an increasing challenge for the UK and we are working day and night to ensure Britain’s front door is open and safe for our people and passengers. We will continue to work with the Government to limit the impacts this will have on UK plc.”

Advertisement
ODU RT

Demand has continued to weaken going into March and Heathrow expects a further year-on-year decrease in coming weeks.

Regular deep cleaning have been introduced across all terminals as well as increased availability and provision of hand sanitisers.

A dedicated Public Health England (PHE) team remains in place at the airport, implementing clinically-informed, evidence-driven processes to support passengers showing symptoms of the virus. Current processes include an early warning system allowing airline crew to report any illness on board flights ahead of landing.

Advertisement
ODU RT

In February, the airport saw over 115,800 metric tonnes of cargo pass through its doors, down 9.5%, as the effect of coronavirus was felt on global trade.

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Viasat and partners complete Iris RPAS flight trial

Aerospace Space

Viasat and partners complete Iris RPAS flight trial

27 May 2026

Viasat has collaborated with TTP and Frequentis, under the European Space Agency (ESA) Iris programme, on an Iris Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) flight trial.

Aeromedic introduces soft-case first aid kits

Aerospace

Aeromedic introduces soft-case first aid kits

27 May 2026

Aeromedic - a provider of in-flight emergency medical and first aid kits - has introduced enhanced soft-case first aid kits, to meet regulatory and airline requirements.

Cathay Group orders two A350F freighters

Aerospace

Cathay Group orders two A350F freighters

27 May 2026

Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has placed a firm order with Airbus for two additional Airbus A350F freighters.

UK aviation starts year with record passenger numbers

Aerospace

UK aviation starts year with record passenger numbers

27 May 2026

New UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data released today shows more than 61 million passengers travelled through UK airports in the first three months of this year, breaking previous records for travel between January and March.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ATC punctuality stays high as air traffic grows

Aerospace

ATC punctuality stays high as air traffic grows

26 May 2026

Almost 98% of UK flights operated punctually in April, according to figures from UK air traffic controller NATS.

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

Aerospace

Air China Cargo increases A350F freighter order to 10

26 May 2026

Air China Cargo has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus for four additional A350F freighters, taking its total order for the type to 10 aircraft.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner