A possible shutdown at London Heathrow Airport could mean eye-watering daily losses of as much as $26 million, new aviation data reveals. The disruption will have a particularly heavy impact on international routes, such as Dubai, with more than 4,500 Dubai-bound seats scheduled for March 21 alone, OAG claims.
The imminent shutdown would not just result in severe economic hardship but also trigger mass cancellations of flights, postponements, and travel hassles across one of the globe’s busiest terminals. The most vulnerable airlines are those with close Gulf affiliations, including Emirates and British Airways.
Heathrow’s operation is vital for Dubai since it acts as a main hub for travelers transiting to and from Europe, the Middle East, and other places. Dubai International Airport (DXB) is among the most favored destinations impacted, in danger of experiencing a serious passenger backlog.
The crisis is closely watched by airlines and tour operators, with contingency plans under consideration to divert flights via other UK and European airports if the shutdown continues.
