Heathrow sees passenger dip amid Iran conflict

Heathrow Airport reported a 5.3% drop in passenger numbers last month, a decline its chief executive linked to the conflict in the Middle East [1]. About 6.7 million passengers traveled through the west London airport in April, down from 7.1 million during the same month last year [1]. The airport stated the decline reflected the ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict on some markets [1]. Despite the short-term disruption, Heathrow's chief executive, Thomas Woldbye, said demand for travel remains strong with current fuel supplies stable [1]. Underlying demand was shown to be resilient by a 10% year-on-year rise in transfer passengers in April, driven by more travelers connecting onwards to destinations in Asia and Oceania [1]. This comes after a 3.7% year-on-year increase in passengers for the first three months of the year, which the airport had previously explained was due to temporarily absorbing demand from elsewhere [1]. Woldbye added that the airport is supporting government and airlines to provide certainty for passengers planning summer holidays [1]. Heathrow is set to update its 2026 passenger forecast in June [1].