Heathrow Airport welcomes record number of passengers in 2015

Heathrow Airport, the the busiest airport in the UK, saw a record number of passengers pass through its terminals last year, reaching nearly 75 million.

This figure is a 2.2% increase on 2014’s passenger numbers, and strengthens the airport’s case to expand with a third runway.

The airport believes that the use of larger aircrafts contributed to the increase in annual passenger volumes, with seats per aircraft rising 2.1% to 209, load factors remaining constant at 76.5% and passengers per aircraft increasing to 1.9% to 160.

At the end of 2015, over 20 daily A380 departures and arrivals were operated by eight airlines

In addition, there was also a significant increase in the number of travellers flying to emerging markets over the last year. Passenger volumes were up 14% to China, 8% to Latin America and 6% to the Middle East.

John Holland-Kaye, CEO of Heathrow, said: “2015 has been a banner year for Heathrow, serving more passengers than ever and being recognised in a number of awards as the best major airport in Europe for both passenger service and eco-innovation. The record levels of passenger satisfaction are due to a significant increase in training, apprenticeships and the number of front line colleagues moving into management roles.

Back in December the government delayed the final decision over a third runway at Heathrow Airport until this summer whilst further work is carried out on issues of air quality and greenhouse gases.

mr Holland-Kaye added: “Our new expansion plan will make Heathrow the most sustainable hub airport, and Britain the best connected country in the world. We are ready to serve.”