Heathrow Connectivity Keeps Demand Strong Despite Disruption

Heathrow Connectivity Supports Travel Demand Despite April Decline

Passenger traffic at Heathrow Airport declined by 5.3 per cent year-on-year in April 2026 to 6.7 million travellers, reflecting the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict and short-term changes in travel patterns. Despite the decline, the airport said overall travel demand remained stable, driven by strong transfer passenger traffic and continued connectivity across long-haul markets.

According to the latest data released by Heathrow, transfer passenger volumes increased by 10 per cent in April compared to the same period last year, supported by travellers rerouting through the airport’s network to destinations across Asia and Oceania.

The airport also noted that cargo volumes remained broadly stable, highlighting Heathrow’s continued role in supporting international trade movements through the UK hub.

Heathrow stated that it is working with the UK Government and airline partners ahead of the summer travel period to support schedule planning and maintain operational continuity amid fuel supply discussions. The airport will also respond to the Government’s consultation on the existing fuel policy framework for airlines during periods of uncertainty.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye — *Thomas Woldbye*

Thomas Woldbye, CEO of Heathrow, said passengers are looking for certainty as they plan summer travel and added that current fuel supplies remain stable despite disruption linked to the Middle East situation. He said April was still the airport’s busiest month so far this year, demonstrating the flexibility of a global hub airport during uncertain operating conditions.

The airport confirmed that its 2026 passenger forecast will be reviewed and updated in June in light of developments linked to the regional conflict.

Heathrow April 2026 Passenger Traffic

Market	Apr 2026	% Change	Jan-Apr 2026	% Change	May 2025-Apr 2026	% Change
UK	376,000	-1.3%	1,455,000	1.2%	4,605,000	-0.1%
EU	2,413,000	0.1%	8,339,000	3.8%	28,720,000	2.5%
Non-EU Europe	435,000	-3.9%	1,821,000	3.3%	5,615,000	0.6%
Africa	286,000	6.8%	1,209,000	9.5%	3,493,000	6.6%
North America	1,730,000	-1.3%	5,926,000	1.8%	20,660,000	-0.3%
Latin America	172,000	-3.6%	762,000	-2.0%	2,145,000	-4.3%
Middle East	360,000	-52.4%	2,159,000	-23.4%	8,120,000	-6.2%
Asia/Pacific	949,000	5.6%	3,976,000	10.6%	11,404,000	4.9%
Total	6,721,000	-5.3%	25,646,000	1.2%	84,763,000	0.9%

Heathrow April 2026 Air Transport Movements

Market	Apr 2026	% Change	Jan-Apr 2026	% Change	May 2025-Apr 2026	% Change
UK	3,081	0.6%	12,521	-2.9%	36,974	-3.0%
EU	17,000	-4.7%	64,422	-1.8%	208,402	0.6%
Non-EU Europe	3,069	-2.9%	13,611	-0.7%	39,647	-2.0%
Africa	1,279	4.5%	5,397	4.1%	15,371	2.8%
North America	7,929	-1.3%	27,891	-0.4%	91,413	0.6%
Latin America	708	-4.5%	3,102	-4.8%	8,650	-6.4%
Middle East	1,498	-43.1%	8,464	-17.5%	29,914	-4.2%
Asia/Pacific	3,932	7.6%	15,470	8.0%	45,176	4.5%
Total	38,496	-4.6%	150,878	-1.5%	475,547	0.1%

Heathrow April 2026 Cargo Volumes

Market	Apr 2026 (Metric Tonnes)	% Change	Jan-Apr 2026	% Change	May 2025-Apr 2026	% Change
UK	37	16.2%	80	-67.9%	519	-7.4%
EU	6,241	10.6%	25,120	1.5%	74,090	-4.0%
Non-EU Europe	2,896	-7.4%	10,259	-14.9%	37,618	-1.5%
Africa	8,107	4.7%	31,956	3.5%	96,238	-0.7%
North America	54,377	0.8%	220,450	-0.1%	653,340	0.2%
Latin America	4,297	-8.4%	16,967	-8.8%	55,163	-3.0%
Middle East	14,755	-23.7%	68,217	-16.6%	242,460	-6.9%
Asia/Pacific	39,203	15.1%	144,750	10.2%	430,943	6.4%
Total	129,912	1.0%	517,799	-0.5%	1,590,371	0.2%