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Heathrow hails capacity cap improvements in passenger service

Heathrow’s capacity cap has led to improved passenger service at the start of the summer peak.

The claim came as the London hub reported the “largest rise” in passenger numbers of any European airport in the last year. 

Numbers for the January to July period reached 32.3 million.

More than six million people used Heathrow in July and an estimated 16 million are expected by September.


More: Heathrow has ‘failed miserably’ claims Iata chief 

Heathrow cap: passengers ‘could be kicked off flights’


Heathrow set a daily cap on departing passenger numbers in mid-July, limiting passengers to 100,000 a day.

The airport said today: “The cap on departing passenger numbers has delivered improvements to passenger experience, with fewer last minute flight cancellations, better aircraft punctuality and baggage delivery.

“Integral to increasing the departing passenger cap is increasing airline ground handler capacity and resilience, and we have initiated a review of ground handling to support that objective.

“Recruitment for this summer’s getaway began last November, and we have hired an additional 1,300 recruits. 

“Security resource is back at pre pandemic levels, enabling 88% of Heathrow passengers to clear security within 20 minutes or less.

“Border Force has performed well so far this summer and we are working to help them secure sufficient resource to serve the peak in passengers returning to the UK over the next few weeks.

Chief executive John Holland-Kaye said:“Passengers are seeing better, more reliable journeys since the introduction of the demand cap. 

“I want to thank all my colleagues across the airport for their amazing work in getting people away on their holidays. This has only been possible because of the collective and determined efforts of airport, airline and wider Heathrow teams.”

More: Heathrow has ‘failed miserably’ claims Iata chief 

Heathrow cap: passengers ‘could be kicked off flights’

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