The number of passengers flying from London Heathrow has dipped, as demand for international travel wavers amid the US/Israel war with Iran.
Around 6.7 million people flew via Heathrow in April, a 5% drop compared with the same period in 2025, and its biggest annual fall since March last year. This reduction reflects a change in passenger travel habits, a result of the ongoing conflict and concerns about rising prices.
However, the number of transfer passengers transiting for onward flights rose 10% in April year-on-year, as travellers rerouting to Asia and Oceania switched to the Heathrow instead of using rival hubs in the Middle East, such as Dubai and Doha.
The US-Israeli war on Iran has triggered travel disruption around the world, with flight cancellations, delays and longer journey times. Meanwhile, fears are rising that the oil crisis, resulting from the blockade of Gulf tanker shipping in the strait of Hormuz, could lead to fuel shortages this summer and higher ticket prices – with over a fifth of the world’s oil typically passing through this channel.
Heathrow has revealed that they will review and update their passenger forecast for 2026 next month, with their latest estimate suggesting that there would be 85 million passengers passing through this year.
The industry faces growing uncertainty over jet fuel supply, with prices averaging $181 (£133.70) a barrel during the end of April, according to the International Airport Transport Association, which is roughly double the average price for last year. Concerns over fuel shortages have also been aggravated by airlines in the UK successfully lobbying for the ability to cancel more flights without risking valuable airport slots.
However, some reports are suggesting that airlines are beginning to cut prices for summer flights in order to prevent a delay in bookings.