Image via Shutterstock
A record 5.95 million passengers used Heathrow as the London hub saw its busiest ever March with numbers up by 3.4% year-on-year.
The emerging markets of Mexico, China, the Middle East and Asia were among the strongest performers.
Vietnam Airlines started flights from the airport on March 31, “demonstrating the draw of the hub’s unique mix of premium direct and transfer passengers,” Heathrow said.
Volumes to North America continued “robust growth” with volumes up by 6%.
Larger, fuller and quieter aircraft continued to be a driver for passenger growth, according to the airport. Seats per aircraft increased 1.6% to 206.4, while load factors increased 1.6 percentage points to 73.3%. Passengers per aircraft rose 3.2% to 151.3.
Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “All the growth in the world is in faraway markets like China, Vietnam and Mexico – we can create jobs right across Britain if we make it easy to get there from anywhere in the UK.
“This month we have announced measures to help airlines establish services from UK airports to Heathrow, including lower charges for domestic passengers and a route development fund.
“Along with easyJet’s recent announcement that it plans to operate new domestic routes from Heathrow, this demonstrates our commitment that expanding Heathrow will connect all of Britain to global growth. Now, let’s get on with it.”