Problems in the Middle East Affect Heathrow Airport and Fuel Prices

May 11, 2026, 17:03
EuropeInternational

Introduction

Fewer people flew from London Heathrow Airport in April. This happened because of wars in the Middle East.

Main Body

About 6.7 million people used the airport in April. This is 5% less than last year. Very few people flew to the Middle East. However, more people flew to Asia and Oceania through London instead of Dubai or Doha. Jet fuel is now very expensive. The price is double the price from last year. Some companies have no money. Spirit Airlines stopped working because the government did not give them money. Some airlines will make tickets more expensive to pay for fuel. Other airlines made tickets to the Mediterranean cheaper. The UK government is helping airports with new rules. Heathrow thinks people still want to travel.

Conclusion

Heathrow had fewer passengers in April. Now, airlines must deal with high fuel costs.

Learning

✈️ Comparing Now vs. Then

To reach A2, you need to describe changes. Look at how the text compares this year to last year:

  • The Pattern: [Something] is [Amount] [More/Less] than [Time]

Examples from the text:

  • 6.7 million people... is 5% less than last year.
  • The price is double the price from last year.

How to use it in real life:

  • Today is hotter →\rightarrow than yesterday.
  • My coffee is more expensive →\rightarrow than last month.

🛠️ Useful Word Pairs

Notice these words that show a 'switch' or a 'contrast' in the story:

  1. However →\rightarrow Used to show a surprise. (Fewer people flew to the Middle East. However, more flew to Asia).
  2. Instead of →\rightarrow Used to show a choice. (They flew through London instead of Dubai).

Quick Tip: Use "Instead of" when you change your mind about a place or a thing!

Vocabulary Learning

people (n.)
a group of individuals; many humans
Example:People in the city like to walk in the park.
airport (n.)
a place where airplanes take off and land
Example:The airport is busy on holidays.
price (n.)
the amount of money you must pay for something
Example:The price of the book is ten dollars.
money (n.)
a thing used to buy goods and services
Example:I need money to buy a ticket.
government (n.)
the group that runs a country or area
Example:The government makes rules for safety.
travel (v.)
to go from one place to another
Example:I like to travel to new places.
fuel (n.)
a substance that gives energy to engines
Example:Cars need fuel to move.
expensive (adj.)
costing a lot of money
Example:That dress is expensive.
high (adj.)
tall or large in amount
Example:The high cost made him think twice.
costs (n.)
the amount of money needed to pay for something
Example:The costs of the trip were high.