The autumn half-term break helped Heathrow record its busiest ever October as it urged the government to recognise aviation’s vital role in supporting the economy.
Passenger numbers of more than 7.2 million – 3.7% up year-on-year – came as the London hub achieved a sixth consecutive month of more than seven million passengers, another first in a record year of performance.
Sustained summer demand has pushed the airport’s annual forecast up to 83.8 million passengers, an increase of 2.9 million on the previous annual record of 80.9 million in pre-Covid 2019.
This volume is the equivalent of handling 7,300 extra passengers every day through the same four terminals and two runways, Heathrow pointed out.
The airport is calling for a specific focus on supporting the growth of aviation and backing efforts to decarbonise.
“No other sector can truly open global opportunities for UK businesses at the pace needed to help deliver the government’s economic growth mission,” the airport claimed.
Chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: “This year has been all about breaking records at Heathrow.
“To keep up with growing demand and progress towards our vision of an extraordinary airport fit for the future we are investing more than £1 billion in 2024 alone.
“Being home to the world’s most connected airport is a huge boost for the UK economy thanks to Heathrow’s unrivalled links for passengers and cargo.
“To maintain that competitive edge, the government needs to recognise aviation’s vital role in enabling and supporting other sectors in its industrial strategy.”