Heathrow Airport recorded its busiest November on record, welcoming 5.72 million passengers through its terminals that month.
This figure represents a 2.5 percent increase compared with the same month the previous year. Passenger growth was particularly strong in emerging markets such as Mexico, China and countries across the Middle East, each showing increases of more than 8 percent.
By December, Heathrow’s year-to-date passenger numbers were 0.7 percent higher than in 2015. The airport attributes much of this growth to the introduction of larger, quieter and more fuel-efficient aircraft, while operations continue to run at or near full capacity.
Cargo volumes also rose, with a 4.4 percent increase in November. Growth was led by exports to the Middle East, East Asia and Latin America—regions that are becoming increasingly important for UK exporters.
John Holland-Kaye, Chief Executive Officer of London Heathrow Airport, said that the record passenger figures and strong cargo performance demonstrate Heathrow’s positive contribution to the UK economy. Since the government endorsed plans for a third runway, the airport has assembled a team to accelerate the delivery of expansion benefits: a cost-effective plan designed to create jobs, support exporters and strengthen the economy. The airport said it looks forward to the publication of the government’s National Policy Statement early next year.