Heathrow demands ‘honest conversation’ over capacity constraints 

Heathrow has insisted that expansion “will be essential” as it reported another record month.

 

The capacity-constrained London hub saw passenger throughput nudge up by 0.4% year-on-year in May to more than 7.2 million.

 

The monthly figure meant the airport handled 84 million travellers in the 12 months to the end of May.

 

New York JFK became the first route to reach more than one million passengers in 2025, with Dubai following closely in second place.

 

Routes to Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain and Cyprus saw double-digit growth on last year.

 

Heathrow saw a record day on May 22 for Bilbao routes due to the Europa League final between Manchester United and Tottenham the previous day. Sixteen flights operated across the two days - double the regular schedule.

 

The government has given backing for a third runway at Heathrow.  The airport has pledged to submit a proposal to ministers this summer for a new runway to be operational by 2024.  

 

An airport statement said: “Heathrow is proud to welcome record-breaking growth - a sign of strong demand that benefits the UK, airlines, and passengers alike. 

 

“But as these record numbers become the norm, it’s time to start an honest conversation about the challenges this presents for an already space-constrained yet highly efficient hub. 

 

“Heathrow continues to deliver excellent service, but to sustain this performance and meet future demand, expanding capacity will be essential.”

 

Chief executive Thomas Woldbye said: “Over 95% of our passengers rated their experience with us as good or excellent - that’s testament to why more people are choosing to travel through Heathrow. 

 

“Over the past year, we’ve supported 84 million journeys, and this summer we’re ready to welcome even more. 

 

"The fact remains that Heathrow is at capacity, yet even in a spaced-constrained environment we’ve improved on-time performance and delivered strong security results by working closely with airlines and other partners. 

 

"With hundreds of millions of pounds invested in infrastructure like new security lanes and baggage systems, we’ll continue enhancing the Heathrow experience and strengthening the UK’s global connections.”