Heathrow uses June figures to push for third runway decision

Cargo volumes at Heathrow grew 2.1% in June, the airport reported on Monday, with strong growth to China - up 11% - as well as to India and Turkey, up 3.3% and 3% respectively.

More than 6.6 million passengers travelled through Heathrow during the month, which was a decrease of 1% on the same month last year, with the airport blaming weather cancellations and recurring industrial action in France.

Its board said larger, quieter aircraft were the driver for much of the growth given the airport is operating at capacity, with airlines deploying new Airbus A380s and a record number of new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Passenger volumes remained strong within emerging markets, with Latin America up 3% and East Asia up 2%, and the airport’s board singling out China and Mexico as “bright spots”, with passenger volumes improving 7% from those places.

“With cargo volumes at Heathrow growing, our next Prime Minister has a real opportunity to secure Britain's legacy as an outward-looking trading nation,” said Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye.

“Now more than ever, a decision on Heathrow expansion must be at the top of her in-tray.”

Holland-Kaye said an expansion would double cargo capacity at the UK's largest port, helping more British exporters trade with all the growing markets of the world.

He added that at a time of uncertainty, a £16bn privately funded infrastructure investment would potentially create jobs and growth across the UK.

“And with Parliament overwhelmingly endorsing a third runway, our next Prime Minister can send the strongest possible signal that Brexit Britain is open for business and confident in its future by expanding Heathrow.”