STORY: Heathrow Airport forecast an uncertain few months ahead.The west London hub said its growth lagged European competitors as runway slots remain full.The UK’s biggest airport handled 6.6 million passengers in March.That was up nearly 7% from a year earlier, as it redirected traffic flows to cope with airspace closures across the Middle East.The airport’s CEO said it was doing everything it can to support airlines and passengers as travel trends shift during the Middle East crisis.The UK government approved plans for a third runway at the airport last year.But with the broader planning process expected to drag on for years, it is not expected to be operational until at least 2035.Heathrow warned in February that Istanbul will overtake it as Europe’s busiest hub this year or the next.The airport said Middle East routes plunged by over half…while Asia-Pacific and Africa traffic rose 31% and 23% respectively.British Airways, the UK’s flag carrier and highest-grossing airline, said last week it would cut flights to the Middle East when services resume…while adding capacity to India and Africa.
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