Heathrow said April passenger traffic fell to 6.7 million, with conflict-related disruption in the Middle East weighing on some markets. The airport said transfer traffic grew 10% and it will review its 2026 forecast in June.
Heathrow said April passenger numbers fell about 5% year on year to 6.7 million, blaming part of the drop on disruption linked to conflict in the Middle East.
The airport’s monthly traffic release, published on May 11, said some markets saw short-term changes to travel plans as demand for international travel softened.
What the figures show
Heathrow said transfer passenger traffic rose 10% in April, highlighting the airport’s role as a major connecting hub even as direct travel demand weakened in some routes.
The airport said the overall decline reflects a mix of conflict-related disruption and broader short-term shifts in travel behavior.
What happens next
Heathrow said it will review and update its 2026 passenger forecast in June.
The new traffic data is the latest sign that geopolitical disruptions can quickly affect long-haul aviation demand, even at an airport with strong transfer traffic.
Major outlets including The Guardian, The Times and aviation trade publications independently reported the same monthly figures on May 11.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.