Heathrow airport has reported a 5.3% decline in passenger numbers for April, attributing the drop to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The west London hub recorded 6.7 million passengers passing through its four terminals last month, compared to 7.1 million during the same period in 2025.
According to the airport, the reduction reflects "the ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict on some markets and short-term adjustments to travel plans." The conflict has led to uncertainty and changes in routing, affecting travel demand from certain regions.
Despite the downturn, Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye expressed optimism about the summer season. "We know passengers want certainty when planning their hard-earned summer holidays, so we are supporting Government and airlines as they work through their plans to get passengers on their journeys," he said.
Woldbye added: "While we have seen some short-term disruption linked to the Middle East conflict, demand for travel remains strong with current fuel supplies stable. April was still our busiest month so far this year, underlining the strength of a global hub airport that can adapt quickly in times of uncertainty."
The airport's performance in April highlights the resilience of travel demand, even as geopolitical tensions create temporary headwinds. Heathrow continues to work with airlines and authorities to ensure smooth operations during the upcoming peak season.
