Gatwick profits fall as Iran war sees passenger numbers drop

Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, knows the challenges airports face from the war in Iran after Gatwick’s profits fell.

She said: “Gatwick’s results are a clear snapshot of the unwelcome waves caused by the Iran war across the travel industry.

“Demand for long-haul flights has been hit hard, with passenger numbers down 9.2 per cent in the first half, but even short-haul flights were affected, with bookings coming in 3.9 per cent lower.

“With so many flights cancelled or disrupted and some routes remaining suspended, it’s clearly been a highly challenging time.

“Uncertainty about how the conflict would evolve, alongside worries about jet-fuel shortages, have also made travellers more nervy about booking in advance.

“These are turbulent conditions to navigate for the airline industry and will have a knock-on effect for a whole raft of companies reliant on airport trade.

“From retailers and restaurants to hotels, car hire companies and in-flight catering firms, the drop in passengers has significant repercussions.

“If uncertainty persists, consumers may continue to delay bookings or opt for shorter, closer-to-home breaks, particularly if household budgets are already being squeezed by higher energy and food bills.”