Heathrow runway closure

From today (6 April) Heathrow will operate with just a single runway, alternating on a weekly basis.  The airport plans to close Terminals 4 and 3 in the coming weeks, the airlines normally housed in those buildings gathered in T2.  No date has been suggested for a return to normal.

The airport says that with significantly reduced passenger traffic it will be able to adhere to the Government’s social distancing guidance even as the operation is consolidated.  It is backing up the national programme with a host of banners, digital signs, floor markings and leaflets.  Over 600 hand sanitizer dispensers have been located around the terminals.

In the last week of March Heathrow saw a 409% increase in cargo only air traffic, compared to the average seen before the pandemic.  Over 40% of the UK’s pharmaceutical products, such as medicines, vaccines and respirators, are imported via Heathrow.

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow’s chief executive summed up the team effort:  “Thousands of amazing colleagues across Heathrow continue to work tirelessly to help keep the airport moving and playing a vital role in helping the UK through this coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Their work has meant Heathrow remains open to serve the country during these unprecedented times to bring stranded friends and family home, and to deliver vital, life-saving, medical cargo supplies.”

www.heathrow.com/coronavirus

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