Heathrow Airport reported on Monday that passenger numbers fell 5% to 6.7 million in April, as the ongoing war in Iran severely disrupted travel plans across the Middle East. The decline marks a significant reversal for Europe’s busiest airport, which had been recovering strongly from the pandemic.
Traffic from the Middle East plunged more than 50%, reflecting widespread airspace closures and flight cancellations linked to the conflict. However, the airport saw a 10% rise in transfer passenger numbers, as travelers rerouted through London to avoid affected zones. According to Reuters, Heathrow’s total passenger volume for April was 6.7 million, down from 7.1 million in the same month last year.
In a statement, Heathrow cautioned that full-year passenger numbers were likely to be affected, despite absorbing some displaced demand from closed Middle Eastern airspace. The airport plans to review and update its 2026 passenger forecast in June. Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye described the impact of the conflict as a “short-term disruption that has not dented underlying demand.” He added that the airport remains focused on long-term growth.
The Iran war, which escalated in early 2026, has caused significant upheaval in global aviation. Al Jazeera reports that multiple Middle Eastern countries have closed their airspace to commercial flights, forcing airlines to take longer routes. This has increased fuel costs and flight times, but also driven some traffic through European hubs like Heathrow.
Heathrow’s decline contrasts with other major airports, such as Dubai International, which saw a 20% drop in passenger numbers in March amid route cancellations. The BBC notes that the conflict has also impacted cargo operations, with freight volumes falling across the region.
Looking ahead, Heathrow’s June forecast will be closely watched by investors and airlines. The airport is also dealing with regulatory issues, including a proposal from the UK regulator to allow it to recoup $433 million in expansion costs. Despite the current downturn, Woldbye emphasized that Heathrow remains confident in the resilience of air travel demand.
Source: ARY News