Heathrow warns Iran war may cut passenger numbers

Heathrow Airport has warned it expects passenger numbers for the rest of the year to be affected by the Iran war.

Some 18.9 million people passed through its four terminals during the first three months of the year, a year-on-year increase of 3.7%, which the west London airport said was because it "temporarily absorbed demand from elsewhere".

In a trading update, the airport said: "Passenger numbers for the rest of the year are likely to be impacted whilst there is significant uncertainty in the Middle East."

Airspace closures in the area following the outbreak of the war on 28 February has had a major impact on air travel.

About half a million passengers per day usually use airports in Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, which are used as connecting hubs between Europe, Asia and Australia.

Much of the Middle East's airspace has since reopened, but many people are avoiding flying there because of the war.

In the first quarter of the year, Heathrow's revenue increased by 2.3% from a year ago to £844m, amid rises in passenger numbers, food and beverage sales and uptake of premium services, however its adjusted operating costs were 6.5% higher, due to wages and national insurance payments, IT investments and passenger support.

Sally Ding, the airport's chief financial officer, said the airport was currently "full" and was ready to progress its plan to build a third runway "with the right regulatory framework and Government policy in place".

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