Heathrow reported a decline in passenger numbers last month, even as it recorded its busiest day ever for May, with the ongoing Iran war continuing to affect international travel.
Passenger statistics for May
The west London airport stated that 7.1 million passengers traveled through its four terminals in May, representing a 1.2% decrease compared to the same period last year. UK passenger numbers dropped by 1.9%, while traffic from the Middle East saw a significant 31% decline as the Iran war persists in disrupting the global travel sector.
Comparison with April
Despite the decline, May's figures show an improvement from April, when the airport experienced a 5.3% drop. Heathrow had previously described the conflict as causing "short-term disruption."
Record day in May
Heathrow achieved its busiest day ever for the month of May on May 22, with 262,000 passengers recorded, coinciding with the start of the school half-term holidays.
Investment and criticism of CAA
The airport, which celebrated its 80th birthday last month, said it has continued with investment plans, including upgrades to terminal four's car parks and check-in facilities. However, it criticized the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), claiming the regulator is proposing cuts to its investment plans.
"While other countries expand their hub airports, the CAA's proposed cuts to our investment plans risk taking the UK backwards and weakening our competitiveness," Heathrow said.
Thomas Woldbye, chief executive of Heathrow, added: "Heathrow has kept Britain connected for 80 years – but today we're operating at capacity. Demand for travel and trade is strong, and passengers want more choice, better connections and good value. But both short and long-term growth of the UK's only hub airport is at risk if the CAA delay necessary investment."
Future plans
Heathrow is seeking planning permission by 2029 to build a third runway, aiming to expand capacity.
