Heathrow traffic plunges by 20%

PASSENGER numbers through Heathrow, the country's main airport, fell by a fifth last month after the terrorist attacks in the US scared off travellers.

The airport's operator, BAA, also said its North Atlantic traffic fell by more than 31% in the aftermath of the attacks, with long distance traffic down more than 16%. There was little sign of recovery. 'The North Atlantic and certain other long haul markets continue to be worst affected by the terrorist attacks of 11 September,' BAA said.

Overall passenger numbers through BAA‘s seven airports fell to 9.8m, down 12% on the same month last year. 'The trend has remained stable at minus 12% since the second half of September,' BAA said. Gatwick traffic fell nearly 13% in October, although Stansted, Edinburgh and Glasgow reported growth.

Demand for air travel, particularly on transatlantic routes, has slumped since hijacked passenger jets slammed into the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon, killing more than 4,500 people. Fear of flying, combined with a global economic slowdown, are causing people to cancel holidays or business trips.