Heathrow’s Covid losses top £4bn as autumn lull looms

Airlines cancel flights amid higher fuel costs, Ukraine war and expected fourth pandemic wave

Heathrow airport has warned it expects a drop-off in passenger numbers after a summer surge, with airlines already cancelling services into the autumn amid higher fuel costs, war in Ukraine and an expected fourth Covid wave.

The airport's total pandemic losses have topped 4bn, but passenger numbers have started to recover after the UK government lifted travel restrictions. Heathrow said 9.7 million passengers passed through the airport in the first three months of the year, 8 million more than a year earlier, with many heading to destinations in North America and Europe.