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A record 72.3 million passengers used Heathrow in 2013, up 3.4% on the previous year.
The airport operating company achieved a pre-tax profit of £426 million, including a £292 million gain on the sale of Stansted.
The opening of the £2.5 billion Terminal 2: Queen’s Terminal at Heathrow is on course to open on schedule in June.
It will be home to all 23 Star Alliance airlines operating at Heathrow as well as Aer Lingus, Germanwings and Virgin Atlantic Little Red.
Heathrow reported passenger satisfaction at a record high with 75% rating their experience excellent or very good, compared to 48% in 2007.
Chief executive Colin Matthews said: “Heathrow performed strongly in 2013 with passenger satisfaction reaching record levels.
“The construction phase of Terminal 2 was completed and the opening in June will be another major step in the transformation of Heathrow.
“We also welcomed the Airports Commission’s interim report shortlisting our proposal for a third runway.
“We are now asking for views so we can refine our proposal to suit the needs of the UK and the needs of the local community.”
Construction of a new runway could be completed in six years with an estimated earliest operational date of 2026 at an estimated cost of £17 billion, of which £11 billion relates to airport infrastructure, Heathrow said.
A refined proposal from Heathrow will be submitted to the Airports Commission in May ahead of the government body’s final findings due for publication in summer 2015.
Almost 470,000 flights departed and landed at the airport in 2013, 10,000 below the maximum permitted.
Despite operating close to full capacity, Heathrow said it delivered a “robust” overall operational performance in 2013.
Average aircraft sizes were larger and fuller than in previous years, which led to the growth in traffic.