Brits keep away from main airport as passenger numbers drop in ‘disaster worse than Covid’
Passenger numbers at Europe’s biggest airport fell by five per cent in April to 6.7 million, with Heathrow attributing the decline to the “ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict” as the jet fuel crisis continues to rock the travel industry
Heathrow traveller volumes dropped in April.
Heathrow Airport saw a decline in passenger numbers in April as the conflict in the Middle East kept travellers at home. Europe’s largest airport reported a five per cent drop in passenger numbers in April to 6.7m, with the “ongoing impact of the Middle East conflict” being cited as the cause.
For those travelling to that specific region, Heathrow experienced a staggering 50% t decrease in volumes. However, traffic has still seen modest growth of 1.2 % in the year-to-date (Jan–Apr).
Transfer demand surged by ten per cent in April, as passengers rerouted via Heathrow to reach Asia and Oceania, helping to counterbalance losses in direct Middle Eastern travel, as reported by City AM.
Travel to Asia continued to be a significant growth driver, with a 5.6% increase in April and a 10.6% rise year-to-date.
“We know passengers want certainty when planning their hard-earned summer holidays, so we are supporting Government and airlines as they work through their plans to get passengers on their journeys,” said Thomas Woldbye, Heathrow’s top boss.
The travel industry has been shaken by growing concerns over the jet fuel shortage caused by the war in Iran.
Tony Fernandes, chief executive of Air Asia, stated last week: “I thought I’d seen it all with Covid […] but having seen jet fuel go up almost three times – this is much worse.”
This comes after supplies for jet fuel have plummeted to their lowest level since records began due to the war obstructing crucial shipping lanes for fuel.
Last week, US-based budget airline Spirit Airlines buckled under the strain of soaring oil prices. The company was unable to secure a $500m lifeline from the Trump administration, leading to its closure and the cancellation of all flights.
Analysts at Allianz Trade have warned that the UK is among the countries most “structurally exposed” to shortages of jet fuel.
In an attempt to alleviate the pressures on airlines, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has relaxed the “use it or lose it” rules.
Woldbye stated: “While we have seen some short‐term disruption linked to the Middle East conflict, demand for travel remains strong with current fuel supplies stable.”
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