London’s Heathrow Airport recorded a decline in passenger traffic in April, citing disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Europe’s busiest airport said on Monday that it handled 6.7 million passengers during the month, representing a 5.3 per cent drop compared to the same period last year.

In a statement, Heathrow attributed the decline to the impact of the regional conflict on global travel patterns and changes in passenger travel plans.

Chief Executive Thomas Woldbye said the airport had experienced short-term disruptions linked to the crisis but noted that overall demand for air travel remained strong.

“While we have seen some short-term disruption linked to the Middle East conflict, demand for travel remains strong with current fuel supplies stable,” Woldbye said.

Despite the decline in total passenger numbers, Heathrow reported a 10 per cent increase in transit passengers in April, matching the rise recorded in March, as more travellers rerouted through London.

The disruption follows the escalation of tensions in the Middle East after Iran launched missiles and drones toward Israel and US allies in the Gulf following the outbreak of the war on February 28.

Major Gulf carriers including Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways have faced operational challenges, prompting some passengers to avoid transit routes through the Gulf region.