The airport announced on Thursday (26 October) it had a strong balance sheet after welcoming 59 million passengers over the last nine months, of which 29 million were registered during the summer period.
This was a 34% increase compared to the previous year, which led to Heathrow cutting its losses by 95.7% to £19 million.
The airport has also reclaimed its crown as “the most connected airport in the world”, giving a boost to the UK’s growth with connections to more than 214 destinations.
“Heathrow is already a great national asset for Britain – and our best days still lie ahead,” said newly appointed chief executive Thomas Woldbye, who was given the top job following John Holland-Kaye’s resignation.
“I’m excited to take on the challenge and looking forward to working with Team Heathrow to build an even stronger hub for Britain in the next decade.”
Heathrow has also said it will carry on with its growth plans despite the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) decision to bring down passenger fees from the current £31.57 per person to £25.43 from next year.
Key upgrades include scrapping the 100ml liquids rule as well as updating Terminal 2’s baggage system and investing £200 million in three years to reduce its carbon footprint.
The airport has also called on the government to back the sector’s growth “by pressing ahead at pace with a domestic sustainable aviation fuels industry, reinstating tax-free shopping for Britain’s retailers and committing support to southern and western rail links to Heathrow”.
