Heathrow witnesses surge in trade

In January alone, Heathrow Airport welcomed a record 5.5 million passengers, marking its best ever start to the year.

The airport confirmed that there was strong passenger growth from emerging markets, including to Mexico which was up 21 per cent, China 16 per cent, Turkey 5.3 per cent and the Middle East which was up four per cent as carriers continue to benefit from new aircraft including A380s.

New routes are set to continue as Garuda Indonesia prepares to move its UK operations from Gatwick to Heathrow in March, following Vietnam Airlines’ services to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City switching from Gatwick last year.

January cargo volumes at the UK’s largest port also surged by 2.9 per cent - notably to Mexico and China which were both up 28 per cent and Turkey up 16 per cent.

John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow CEO, said: “With record passenger numbers and strong cargo volumes – it’s been a great start to 2016 for the nation’s largest port, Heathrow. With expansion, we’ll open up 40 new trading links which will carry more British exports to the fastest growing markets in the world.

“We’ll help the government rebalance our economy and build a better Britain. The Prime Minister can say yes and we will deliver.”