Alongside Heathrow’s results of a 22% rise in annual profits, John Holland-Kaye also released a separate statement backing the UK in a reformed EU.

"We are the UK’s only hub airport, connecting Britain to over 80 long haul destinations, and handling over a quarter of UK exports – but we recognise that for business to thrive we also need to be part of the single European market,” he said.

"Membership of the EU has made air travel affordable and convenient, with regular flights to the continent from all parts of Britain - fuelling jobs, exports and economic growth.

"A vote to remain offers the best of both worlds – it secures our place as a powerhouse in the global economy, while remaining in the world’s largest free trade zone."

It comes amid reports that bosses at more than a third of the UK’s biggest businesses have signed a letter supporting the campaign to remain in the EU.

The chairmen and chief executives of BT, Marks and Spencer, Kingfisher and Vodafone said a Brexit would “deter investment and threaten jobs", Sky News said.

Both Holland-Kaye and Stuart Wingate, chief executive of Gatwick, have signed the letter, which appears in The Times.