Heathrow handled 7.3 million passengers in October 2026, down 1% on the same month last year, despite strong demand during the half-term holiday, the airport said in its monthly traffic release published on Wednesday 11 November.

The fall was driven by a sharp drop in Middle East traffic, which fell by more than a fifth year on year as the conflict in the region continued to weigh on travel. That decline was partly offset by growth elsewhere: Asia-Pacific traffic rose 7.5%, and non-EU Europe was up 5.2%, making them the fastest-growing regional markets in the month.

Cargo volumes rose 5.8% in October to 145,137 metric tonnes, while aircraft movements fell 3.4% to 39,809. For the first ten months of 2026, Heathrow has now handled 70.2 million passengers, down 0.6% on the same period last year.

Third runway case pressed again

Heathrow used the traffic statement to underline support for its proposed third runway, saying the benefits would be felt across the country. The airport said 60% of the economic growth generated by expansion was expected to be delivered outside London and the South East.

Chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: “The case for Heathrow expansion is an indisputable case for growth across the entire UK. The benefits will not stop at the airport’s boundary, but rather they’ll be felt by manufacturers, entrepreneurs and exporters in every nation and region.”

He added that with backing from ministers to provide the right policy and regulatory framework, expansion would unlock highly skilled jobs, drive a new era of industrial growth and strengthen domestic connectivity. Heathrow also pointed to progress on the project, including an agreement to use Welsh steel and support from regional airports.

What the figures mean

October’s dip follows a 2.3% fall in September, when Middle East traffic also dropped by about a fifth. The airport has previously warned that the Middle East conflict is putting notable downward pressure on traffic, and it has already cut its full-year passenger and profit forecasts as a result.

Even so, Heathrow stressed that underlying demand remained strong, with the half-term break supporting passenger numbers, and it continues to describe itself as Europe’s most punctual hub airport.