Heathrow update

March passenger numbers at Heathrow shrunk by 52% compared to the same time last year, as the UK entered lockdown.  Many of the 3m journeys made were repatriations, following travel restrictions across markets as well as advice against all but essential travel from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).

The situation is expected to continue as initial forecasts show passenger demand in April is set to decrease by over 90%, with lasting and significant industry-wide effects predicted. 

In line with this forecast, Heathrow moved to single runway operations on 6 April, and over the coming weeks will consolidate operations into Terminals 2 and 5 only. To date only Cathay, Emirates, Japan Airlines (JAL) and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have moved from T3 to T2, with T4 residents following over the next fortnight.

Heathrow is now using its available capacity to prioritise cargo flights with medical supplies. The airport is well-placed to receive time-critical and temperature-sensitive medical supplies, such as ventilators, medicines and COVID-19 testing kits.

Busiest day for cargo only flights was 31 March, with 38 dedicated cargo movements in just one day. During normal operations, Heathrow usually handles an average of 47 cargo only movements a week. Last year, Heathrow handled 41% of the UK’s pharmaceutical imports.

The Heathrow Express runs every 30min, Piccadilly Line 10min and TfL Rail via Ealing Broadway and Hayes and every 20min. 

For BA long-haul flights see in BTN, and for other carriers go to the individual airlines.

www.heathrow.com

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