London Heathrow reports record passengers ahead of runway expansion plan
As planning considerations for a potential third runway continue with renewed vigour, London Heathrow continues to surpass its own passenger records; reporting another record-breaking year and welcoming 83.9 million travellers in 2024.
“2024 underscores why Heathrow is the UK’s gateway to growth,” stated CEO Thomas Woldbye, noting the airport’s “status as the best connected airport in the world and good customer service contributed to the 6% annual passenger growth”.
With the privately-funded physical extension of facilities (notably, the long-debated third runway proposal) remaining a key area of focus, 2024 was, undeniably, a year of continued expansion and record upon record for passenger numbers alone. In July, Heathrow celebrated surpassing 1.8 million passengers a week for the first time; “smashing a passenger record almost every single day”. However, although “more flying and larger aircraft will help drive growth in 2025… constrained capacity will likely see a smaller uptick in annual performance”.
With Chancellor Rachel Reeves having outlined the UK government’s support for a “badly needed” third runway last month, a decision she explained the government “cannot duck” any longer, Heathrow has until the summer to put forward its initial proposal. Today, the airport confirmed it would be submitting its proposals in the coming months, “embarking on the largest private investment in the UK’s transport network as [it looks] to modernise [its] existing facilities and unlock new capacity”.
“Policy changes are needed to deliver the project successfully and we will also be working with Ministers to agree these changes, particularly around airspace modernisation, planning reform and adjustments to the regulatory model for a third runway,” concluded Heathrow.
