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
MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

2 April 2026

MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) has announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform, in partnership with Auterion.

Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA advance electric aviation operations

Aerospace

Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA advance electric aviation operations

1 April 2026

Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA Technologies, today announced the successful completion of the UK's first electric flight demonstration programme across Scotland's regional air network.

SYMCA grant unlocks Rolls-Royce investment in Rotherham ABCF

Aerospace

SYMCA grant unlocks Rolls-Royce investment in Rotherham ABCF

1 April 2026

Rolls-Royce has announced a £19.3 million investment in its highly specialised Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham, following a grant of £2 million from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Rolls-Royce to advance UltraFan 30 demonstrator through UNIFIED

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce to advance UltraFan 30 demonstrator through UNIFIED

31 March 2026

Rolls-Royce has secured €64million in funding from the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) to lead UNIFIED (Ultra Novel and Innovative Fully Integrated Engine Demonstrations), a collaborative research project supporting the development and planned ground testing of the UltraFan 30 demonstrator.

Advertisement
ODU RT
IATA sees strong air passenger and cargo demand growth for February

Aerospace

IATA sees strong air passenger and cargo demand growth for February

31 March 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for February 2026 showing global passenger demand was up 6.1% and air cargo demand rose by 11.2%, compared to February 2025 levels.

CAA publishes Initial Proposals for Heathrow H8 price cap

Aerospace

CAA publishes Initial Proposals for Heathrow H8 price cap

31 March 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published its Initial Proposals for the maximum fees that Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) can charge airlines for using the airport for the H8 regulatory period, which runs from January 2027 until the end of 2031.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner