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
Gulfstream banner
Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

Aerospace

Aurrigo appoints Mark Gower as Director of Global Airport Operations

28 April 2026

Aurrigo International, provider of autonomy software, fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, has made the high-profile appointment of Mark Gower in the newly created (non-board) role of Director of Global Airport Operations.

March sees busiest day for UK flights this year

Aerospace

March sees busiest day for UK flights this year

28 April 2026

March had the busiest day of the year so far, for flights taking off from, landing into and flying through UK airspace.

Luton Airport inspires students to Reach for the Sky

Aerospace Events

Luton Airport inspires students to Reach for the Sky

28 April 2026

Prize winners of London Luton Airport’s (LLA) ‘Reach for the Sky’ school competition, took to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime trip on Cranfield University’s Saab340B National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC).

Edinburgh Airport delivers £2.7bn boost to Scotland’s economy

Aerospace

Edinburgh Airport delivers £2.7bn boost to Scotland’s economy

28 April 2026

Edinburgh Airport delivered £2.7 billion of economic value to Scotland in 2025 and supported almost 44,000 jobs, according to a new independent economic impact report.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Heathrow unveils World of Opportunity winners

Aerospace

Heathrow unveils World of Opportunity winners

27 April 2026

Heathrow has revealed the 12 winners of its annual World of Opportunity (WOO) competition, showcasing the breadth of innovation and ambition that underpins Britain’s export economy.

Andy Armstrong appointed MD of FANUC UK and Ireland

Aerospace

Andy Armstrong appointed MD of FANUC UK and Ireland

27 April 2026

Factory automation specialist FANUC has named Andy Armstrong as the new Managing Director of FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland, effective immediately.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Gulfstream banner