Heathrow passenger traffic drops 2.3% in September

what happened

Heathrow passenger traffic fell 2.3% in September, ShareCast reported. During the first nine months of 2026, passenger numbers slipped 0.6% to 62.9m. Weakness in the UK, Latin America and the Middle East was partly offset by modest increases in Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

Only two major regions recorded growth: Asia-Pacific, up 3.3%, and non-EU Europe, up 1.7%. Across the 12 months to September, overall traffic was broadly unchanged.

The airport operator also said backing for a third runway was building while Parliament considers the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement. It said a “coalition of politicians, businesses, workers, regional airports and airlines” now supports the project.

Heathrow said demand for airport access already exceeds capacity, with more than 40 airlines seeking slots. In its view, the shortage is pushing carriers to expand at rival hubs overseas, moving connectivity, trade and growth opportunities away from the UK. A larger airport, it added, would enable new airlines and routes to enter the market, increase competition, support lower fares and strengthen links between UK regions and destinations worldwide.

why it matters

The figures provide an update on aviation demand, while the runway debate has implications for UK transport infrastructure and how future airline capacity is allocated between Heathrow and overseas hubs.

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