Heathrow has reported a decline in passenger numbers for May, despite recording its busiest day ever for the month, as the ongoing Iran war continues to impact international travel.
The west London airport stated that 7.1 million passengers passed through its four terminals in May, a decrease of 1.2% compared to the same period last year.
UK passenger numbers fell by 1.9%, while traffic from the Middle East plummeted by 31%, as the conflict in Iran continues to disrupt the global travel sector.
However, the decline represents an improvement from the 5.3% drop experienced in April, which the airport attributed to short-term disruption caused by the war.
Heathrow is currently seeking planning permission to build a third runway, with a target of approval by 2029.
The airport achieved its busiest day for May on May 22, with 262,000 passengers recorded at the start of the school half-term holidays.
Heathrow, 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.
The airport criticized the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), claiming the regulator is proposing cuts to its investment plans. Heathrow argued that while other countries expand their hub airports, the CAA's proposed cuts risk undermining the UK's competitiveness.
In March, the CAA proposed increasing the per-passenger charge that Heathrow can levy on airlines by 1% over the next five years. It is consulting on capping Heathrow's average charge between £27.20 and £30.50 for 2027-2031, which is 16% below Heathrow's recommendation and 25% above the airlines' suggestion.
The CAA also determines the cap on maximum fees, as well as where and how much the airport can invest, and its daily operational spending and shareholder returns.
Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow's chief executive, said: “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.”
Heathrow hopes to secure planning permission for a third runway by 2029, with funding for expansion to be handled through a separate CAA process.
Meanwhile, Manchester Airports Group, which owns Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands airports, reported a 2.4% increase in passenger numbers in May compared to last year, attributed to thousands of Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Crystal Palace fans traveling to European football finals.
