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
Tritax 300x250

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
Tritax leaderboard 728x90 Tritax leaderboard 728x90
WHIS presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

Aerospace Security Events

WHIS presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

21 November 2025

Somerset based specialist in safety-critical embedded software, WITTENSTEIN high integrity systems (WHIS), has been officially presented with the King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade in a ceremony at its Long Ashton headquarters.

IAG Cargo launches 2026 Graduate Programme

Aerospace

IAG Cargo launches 2026 Graduate Programme

21 November 2025

IAG Cargo, the cargo division of International Airlines Group (IAG), has announced that applications for its 2026 Graduate Programme are now open.

Britten-Norman and WMS demo remote 5G connectivity

Aerospace Security

Britten-Norman and WMS demo remote 5G connectivity

21 November 2025

Britten-Norman is working with World Mobile Stratospheric (WMS) to demonstrate a pioneering airborne 5G communication system using a BN2T-4S Islander aircraft.

Smiths Detection

Aerospace Security

Smiths Detection's IONSCAN 600 achieves ECAC/EU G1 approval

20 November 2025

Smiths Detection today announced that its IONSCAN 600 explosives trace detector (ETD) has achieved ECAC/EU G1 approval, ensuring that all ECAC-approved units equipped with the new Control Parameter (CP) set are fully compliant with the latest G1 standards for passengers/cargo.

Advertisement
Tritax 300x250
APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers

Aerospace Defence

APM survey finds AI driving UK manufacturers' productivity

20 November 2025

UK manufacturers using Artificial Intelligence (AI) are seeing tangible benefits, including a positive impact on productivity and increases in profitability, according to new research.

Emirates to perform engine MRO on its A380s

Aerospace Events

Emirates to perform engine MRO on its A380s

20 November 2025

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Emirates and Rolls-Royce today at the Dubai Airshow 2025, Emirates will perform Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) for the Trent 900 engines powering its own A380 fleet from 2027.

Advertisement
ODU RT