Terminal 4 will act as a separate facility, keeping direct red-list arrivals away from passengers in all other operational terminals.

Passengers flying into Heathrow will be able to use PCR testing facilities either on or close to the airport. 

Heathrow’s chief operating officer, Emma Gilthorpe, said: “Heathrow maintains the highest levels of Covid-secure measures to ensure our passengers, colleagues and partners know that Heathrow is a safe place to travel to and from.

“We are supportive of measures that protect public health and prevent the spread of Covid. 

“The rapid introduction of restrictions for international travel will nonetheless be a further significant blow for British exporters and those wanting to visit friends and relatives. Keeping the changes under constant review and a government commitment to the removal of red-list countries, as soon as it is safe to do so, will help.