Heathrow passenger numbers fall as Coronavirus impacts travel
The threat of Coronavirus is an increasing challenge for the UK and Heathrow are working day and night to ensure Britain’s front door is open and safe for their people and passengers, says Heathrow CEO, John Holland-Kaye.
Passenger numbers fall 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. Demand has continued to weaken going into March and Heathrow expects a further year-on-year decrease in coming weeks.
Regular deep cleaning introduced across all terminals as well as increased availability and provision of hand sanitisers. 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.
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.
The UK aviation industry committed to net zero carbon emissions by 2050, in line with UK Government targets. Heathrow became one of the world’s first major aviation hubs to become carbon neutral for its infrastructure, and published its own pathway to help the industry achieve the net zero 2050 goal as soon as possible.
The Court of Appeal found the NPS process followed by Government failed to take into account the Paris Agreement, and the NPS has been suspended pending either a successful appeal to the Supreme Court or the government addressing the procedural issue with the NPS. Heathrow expansion remains the only option to deliver the government’s vision of a Global Britain and is widely supported locally and nationally.
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.”
