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
Security & Policing Rectangle

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
Security & Policing Rectangle

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
Gatwick opens applications for 2026 graduate scheme

Aerospace

Gatwick opens applications for 2026 graduate scheme

24 October 2025

London Gatwick has officially opened applications for its 2026 graduate scheme, providing an exciting opportunity for ambitious university leavers to launch their careers at one of the UK’s busiest and most dynamic airports.

Bristol Airport

Aerospace

Bristol Airport's solar array generates record amount of renewable energy

24 October 2025

The summer sunshine has helped to generate a record amount of renewable energy at Bristol Airport - producing the equivalent in power used by almost 400 homes in a year.

Luton Airport to resurface runway

Aerospace

Luton Airport to resurface runway

24 October 2025

London Luton Airport (LLA) is to carry out essential runway resurfacing works, beginning on 3rd November 2025.

Sir Jeremy Quin appointed President of Boeing UK & Ireland

Aerospace Defence Space

Sir Jeremy Quin appointed President of Boeing UK & Ireland

24 October 2025

Boeing has named the Rt Hon Sir Jeremy Quin as the new President of Boeing UK & Ireland.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Cranfield hosts global trade and investment delegation

Aerospace

Cranfield hosts global trade and investment delegation

23 October 2025

A delegation of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioners and Investment Directors from the Department for Business and Trade visited Cranfield University yesterday to explore investment and growth opportunities in the region.

HAV secures first military aircraft reservation for Airlander

Aerospace Defence

HAV secures first military aircraft reservation for Airlander

23 October 2025

Hybrid Air Vehicles Ltd (HAV), the designer of Airlander, has today announced the reservation of a further three aircraft, representing the first Airlander 10 aircraft destined for defence use.

Advertisement
ODU RT