Passenger numbers at Heathrow rose to their highest level since the start of the pandemic – 4.2 million – in March, according to the latest figures from the London airport.

Following the UK government’s removal of travel restrictions, a two-year high of more than 280,000 Brits travelled through the airport last month.

The airport said it is increasing its resources as fast as possible ahead of the summer, which it expects to be very busy – with peak periods predicted to be close to 2019 levels.

As the aviation sector rebuilds capacity, the airport is working with ground handlers and airlines to make sure it can meet the surge in demand.

It is addressing staff shortages with a drive to recruit 12,000 new starters across the airport over the coming months.

With half of the world’s destinations still requiring Covid checks, Heathrow is experiencing congestion in its check-in areas at peak times, but it says that other airport processes are working to plan.

Heathrow is currently working with Border Force to ensure sufficient levels of staff are in place to cope with the large number of passengers returning to the UK over the next couple of weeks following the Easter school holidays.

“It is fantastic to see the airport coming back to life after two years,” said Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye.

“Everyone at Heathrow is doing everything we can to make sure passengers get on their way as smoothly and safely as possible.”