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
Stansted posts record high May passenger numbers

Aerospace

Stansted posts record high May passenger numbers

11 June 2026

A record-breaking half-term holiday week and thousands of football fans heading to three European cup finals helped London Stansted record its busiest ever May as it welcomed 2.86m passengers during the month.

IFS launches IFS Zero

Aerospace Defence

IFS launches IFS Zero

10 June 2026

IFS has launched IFS Zero, an agentic AI Emissions Operating System designed for asset-intensive industries, such as aerospace and defence, where organisations face pressure to improve emissions reporting and supply chain transparency, with Scope 3 compliance now a contractual requirement.

Smith Detection

Aerospace Security

Smith Detection's SDX 10080 SCT receives UK DfT approval

10 June 2026

Smiths Detection announced today that its SDX 10080 SCT has received UK Department for Transport (DfT) approval for deployment across UK airports and cargo operators for hold baggage and air cargo screening.

Antevia secures JOSCAR accreditation

Aerospace Defence Security Events

Antevia secures JOSCAR accreditation

10 June 2026

Antevia Networks today announced that it has successfully achieved accreditation for JOSCAR (the Joint Supply Chain Accreditation Register), a collaborative tool used by a growing number of prime contractors and buyers in the aerospace, defence and security industry to act as a single repository for pre-qualification and compliance information.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Aston University secures £3.9m to boost aerospace and cybersecurity skills

Aerospace Security

Aston University secures £3.9m to boost aerospace and cybersecurity skills

10 June 2026

Aston University has secured almost £4 million in new funding to improve the UK’s aerospace engineering and cybersecurity skills.

Marshall Aerospace completes initial flight model for Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X7

Aerospace

Marshall Aerospace completes initial flight model for Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X7

10 June 2026

Marshall Aerospace has successfully completed a flight dynamics and control model to support Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X7, a revolutionary dual-use hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft currently in prototype development.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner