Heathrow April passenger numbers drop due to Middle East conflict

Heathrow passenger numbers fell back by 5% last month due to the conflict in the Middle East.

 

Year on year throughput was down to 6.7 million, the London hub confirmed.

 

The reduction reflected “the ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict on some markets and short-term adjustments to travel plans”.

 

The airport said: “In light of the Middle East conflict, Heathrow’s 2026 passenger forecast will be reviewed and updated in June.

 

“However, Heathrow’s resilient hub model sustains strong overall demand, as passengers are redistributed across the global network.” 

 

Underlying demand “remains resilient”, with strong transfer passenger numbers continuing into April with a 10% increase year on year.

 

This came as passengers re-routed to gain direct connectivity to Asia and the Oceania region.

 

Heathrow said: “We want passengers to feel confident planning their summer holidays this year, so we are supporting government in their role overseeing the national fuel strategy and our airline partners in firming up their schedules, so passengers can get where they want to go.

 

“We will respond to government’s consultation supporting the existing policy framework that gives airlines flexibility in the event of future fuel uncertainty.”

 

Chief executive Thomas Woldbye added: “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.

 

“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.”