Heathrow will consolidate operations into Terminals 2 and 5 over the coming weeks.
The airport said March passenger numbers were down 52% year-on-year, as the UK entered lockdown. Many of the 3 million journeys made were repatriations, following travel restrictions across various markets as well as the Foreign and Commenwealth Office’s advice against all but essential travel.
Heathrow Airport said that the situation is expected to continue as initial forecasts show passenger demand in April down 90%, with ‘lasting and significant industry-wide effects’ predicted.
CEO John Holland-Kaye said: "Heathrow continues to serve the nation by keeping vital supply lines open, and helping people get home. Now is the time to agree a common international standard for healthcare screening in airports so that when this crisis recedes, people can travel with confidence and we can get the British economy moving again."
Heathrow said it is working closely with Public Health England to implement measures to ensure passenger safety.
These measures include the provision of hundreds of hand sanitiser dispensers, additional cleaning and sanitation procedures as well as signage and floor stickers to remind passengers to socially distance. Team members are on hand to help manage queues and ensure safe and adequate spacing between passengers.
It said: "Heathrow is ready to work with Government and industry on science and research to develop measures for rapid health screening of passengers prior to travel. The airport is looking to develop processes which will help provide future passengers peace of mind when flying, but wants to ensure there is an international consensus for common measures – so the benefits of global travel can be realised to support the economic and social recovery from Covid-19."
