From 6 April, aircraft will be taking off and landing on only one strip.
Airlines and airports around the world have been forced to tackle a rapid decline passenger numbers as countries shut their borders to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Heathrow usually has two runways, and which one is operational will alternate on a weekly basis.
Until this crisis, the airport was embroiled in a high-profile campaign to build a third.
A Heathrow spokesperson said: “Although we are seeing significantly fewer flights at the moment, Heathrow will remain open so that we can continue to play a crucial role in helping to secure vital medical goods and food for the nation during this unprecedented epidemic.”
