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A record 6.2 million passengers used Heathrow in May – up 2.2% on the same month last year.
Overall air transport movements rose by 1.9% to 41,211.
Passenger numbers to and from the emerging markets of China, Nigeria and India were up by 13.5%, 7.6% and 2.7% respectively.
“The scale and growth of these important long-haul markets show the unique role of Heathrow as the UK’s hub – other London airports like Gatwick or regional airports like Birmingham are important but no substitute for capacity at the hub,” Heathrow said.
The results cover a month when Heathrow unveiled its revised proposals for a third runway.
Heathrow chief executive Colin Matthews said: “Heathrow has experienced record passenger traffic for May and cargo has also shown a strong increase this month, particularly to Mexico and China.
“Sixty five per cent of UK air freight already travels via Heathrow. As part of our revised proposals for expansion to the Airports Commission, we said we would double cargo capacity to further improve UK export competitiveness, connecting the whole of the UK to fast growing international markets.”
Heathrow-owned Glasgow airport saw passenger numbers last month rise by 4.3% to more than 693,000; Aberdeen was up by 6.7% to 327,500 and Southampton up by 5.6% to 166,500.