Heathrow to ‘closely monitor’ key transatlantic traffic amid economic uncertainty 

Key transatlantic routes face the impact of US economic uncertainty, Heathrow cautioned in an investor report published today (Friday).

 

The London hub expects total passenger numbers to edge up by 0.5% to 84.2 million passengers this year over 2024.

 

The growth is being driven by strong leisure demand, “despite a challenging and uncertain economic backdrop”.

 

Latin America, Middle East and Asia/Pacific traffic alongside the busiest ever Easter has seen demand continue to be above last year’s levels.

 

“For the remainder of the year, we expect that more passenger movements and increasing aircraft sizes will drive more capacity and new direct routes will stimulate additional demand,” the airport said.

 

But Heathrow added: “The impact of the economic uncertainty across North America has made this market more challenging so we are maintaining a close watching brief on traffic trends. 

 

“US passenger/cargo volumes reported growth from January through May compared to the same 2024 period. 

 

“We have observed some early signs of softness on business-heavy routes but that trend appears to be linked more to economic uncertainty than geopolitical reasons. 

 

“In contrast, leisure-led routes operated by home-based carriers remain constant.

 

“Transatlantic travel remains a core strength in our network, however we acknowledge the overhanging uncertainty in this market and we continue to monitor airline and passenger behaviour closely as the summer progresses.”

 

Meanwhile, Heathrow reiterated its aim to submit proposals for a third runway to the government this summer.

 

“With Heathrow at capacity, meeting growing demand is not possible without expansion, curtailing the UK’s international competitiveness,” the airport noted.

 

“This multi-billion-pound investment programme would deliver additional capacity through a third runway, enhance terminal infrastructure, accelerate sustainable solutions to meet our net zero targets and invest in delivering excellent customer service.

 

“We will be submitting our proposal to government this summer, which will set out the masterplan Heathrow wishes to take forward, the investment programme, and what we need from government to meet their ambition of receiving planning consent by the end of this Parliament. 

 

“No decision will be made on taking forward our expanding Heathrow proposals until we receive feedback from government following our summer submission.”