In a press release on 13 April Heathrow Airport reported handling 6.6 million passengers in March, up year-on-year despite widespread rerouting caused by Middle-East airspace closures. The hub said transfer volumes spiked 10 % as carriers diverted long-haul flights through London to avoid restricted zones. The demand reshuffle has put pressure on already-congested peak banks, with ground-handlers reporting tighter connection windows and fuller lounges. Heathrow management emphasised that slot constraints mean growth is "slower than EU competitors" and renewed its call for an additional runway once the political climate stabilises. For corporates, the figures signal that Heathrow will remain the primary pivot for last-minute itinerary changes on routes to the Gulf, South Asia and Australia. Travel managers should advise travellers to leave longer minimum-connection times and monitor carrier waivers as schedules remain fluid. The airport stressed that supply-chain shocks in fuel and catering have so far been contained, and highlighted recent Skytrax awards ranking Heathrow third-best globally for security screening. Nonetheless, executives conceded the outlook is "uncertain" for Q2 if conflict spreads.
Source: Heathrow Media Centre
