Heathrow hits record of 76m passengers
Heathrow airport has had a “milestone” year with a record 76m passengers and 1.5m tonnes of cargo as well as its upcoming expansion with the new runway.
The airport claimed that the introduction of larger aircraft such as the Airbus A380 have contributed to the increases in passenger volumes as well as helped reduce the airport’s impact on local communities.
December particularly saw an influx of passengers with 6.2m travelling through. Emerging markets in the Middle East and Asia continued to be drivers for growth as well as a strong performance on North American segments.
Emerging markets also pushed up trade through the airport during that month, increasing 5.1%, to destinations like Brazil, India and China.
Chief executive John Holland-Kaye said: "Heathrow celebrated 70 years as the country's front door in 2016 and I'm proud that we were able to end this year on such a high note. Whether it was welcoming back a triumphant Team GB from Rio or giving that special Heathrow service to a record number of passengers, increasing Britain's trade with the rest of the world or securing Government support for expansion - Heathrow is Britain's airport and we will continue to help all of our country thrive for decades to come."