Capacity-constrained Heathrow claims to have 30 airlines “knocking on the door” to start services from the London hub.
The disclosure will raise the stakes in the battle with Gatwick to win the right to build a new runway.
Traffic in the three months to March 31 rose by 2% to 16.4 million passengers over the same period last year.
Heathrow revealed an 8% rise in first quarter revenue to £622 million and earnings [EBITDA] up 7.2% to £342 million.
This enabled the airport to report a pre-tax profit of £71 million against a loss of £10 million
Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: “Heathrow is a fantastic airport and a great front door for Britain.
“We’re a business that’s delivering an unrivalled passenger experience in western Europe, we’ve got over 30 airlines knocking on our door waiting to serve the UK’s hub, our world-class shareholders are lined up to privately fund expansion and with an additional runway we will create 40,000 new skilled and well-paid jobs for the local community.
“We are ready to deliver the only runway that can connect all of Britain to global growth. All we need is a quick decision, so let’s get on with it.”
The Airports Commission has shortlisted two options to expand Heathrow and one for a second runway at Gatwick with a decision due after next month’s general election.