Heathrow passenger numbers fall 2.3pc in September
By Iain Gilbert
Date: Monday 12 Oct 2026
(Sharecast News) - Heathrow reported a 2.3% year‑on‑year fall in September passenger numbers to 7.18m, with a steep 20.1% drop in Middle East traffic the main drag on monthly volumes.
Across the first nine months of 2026, passenger volumes edged 0.6% lower to 62.9m, with declines in the UK, Latin America and the Middle East offset by modest gains in Europe, Africa and Asia‑Pacific. The latest figures showed only two major regions in growth - Asia‑Pacific, up 3.3%, and non‑EU Europe, up 1.7%. Over the 12 months ended September, total traffic was broadly flat.
The airport operator also said support for a third runway was strengthening as Parliament reviews the Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement. It claimed a "coalition of politicians, businesses, workers, regional airports and airlines" now backs expansion, arguing that demand for access to Heathrow continues to exceed capacity, with more than 40 airlines seeking slots.
Heathrow warned that the lack of available slots was forcing carriers to expand at competing hubs overseas, taking "connectivity, trade and growth opportunities away from the UK". It said a larger airport would allow new airlines and routes to enter the market, increasing competition and helping deliver lower fares while improving links between UK regions and global destinations.
Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com
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