Heathrow Airport ties Middle East conflict to 5% fall in passenger numbers

London-Heathrow Airport (LHR) has blamed a 5% fall in passenger numbers on the conflict in the Middle East and war in Iran, as customers adjusted their travel plans.

On May 11, 2026, Heathrow Airport said April 2026 passenger numbers reached 6.7 million, a 5.3% dip against April 2025.

The UK’s largest airport said the figures reflected the “ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict on some markets and short-term adjustments to travel plans”.

However, the airport highlighted strong demand from transfer passengers, with a 10% increase year-on-year, as travelers rerouted to Asia and Oceania amid the Middle East conflict.

“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,” said Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow Airport CEO.

Woldbye added that the airport was supporting the UK government in their role overseeing the national fuel strategy and its airline partners in firming up their schedules.

“We know passengers want certainty when planning their hard-earned summer holidays,” he said.

Despite a fall in passenger numbers, cargo volumes remained stable with a 1% increase in operations. Heathrow said the result “reinforced the continued importance of the UK’s global hub for trade”.

In light of the Middle East conflict, Heathrow Airport’s 2026 passenger forecast will be reviewed and updated in June 2026.

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

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