Heathrow airport has attributed a 5.3% decline in passenger numbers during April to the ongoing war in the Middle East. The west London hub reported that 6.7 million travellers passed through its four terminals last month, compared to 7.1 million in the same period a year earlier.
Impact of Middle East Conflict
The airport stated that the reduction reflects "the ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict on some markets and short-term adjustments to travel plans." Heathrow chief executive Thomas Woldbye commented: "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."
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."
Underlying Demand Remains Resilient
Despite the overall drop, Heathrow noted that underlying demand remains resilient. The number of transfer passengers in April was 10% higher than the same month last year, driven by an increase in passengers flying into Heathrow and then boarding flights to Asia and Oceania. Middle Eastern airports are a major hub for these journeys, but many passengers are avoiding the region due to the conflict.
Heathrow said it will update its 2026 passenger forecast in June "in light of the Middle East conflict."
