London Heathrow Airport announced that a record 73.4 million passengers passed through its terminals in 2014, an increase of 1.4% when compared to 2013. Heathrow also saw its busiest ever December with 5.93 million passengers using the airport over the festive season, an increase of 2.4% on December 2013.
The surge in passenger numbers has been largely attributed to growth within emerging markets, with volumes increasing by 15.1% to China, 10.9% to Mexico and 4% to the Middle East and central Asia.
John Holland-Kaye, CEO for Heathrow, said, “Vietnam Airlines’ announcement that it is moving its operation from Gatwick to Heathrow is good news for Britain as it secures a direct flight to an important growth economy, with more frequent flights and cargo capacity. It also underlines that airlines can only make flights to many long haul destinations viable from a hub airport like Heathrow.
“Only by expanding Heathrow can we add direct flights to the world’s growing cities, increase our exports and connect all of the UK to global growth. Expanding Heathrow will help Britain win the race for growth.”