Heathrow says “World Cup fever” has driven the airport to its busiest June on record.
More then seven million passengers passed through the west London hub last month, up 5.4% on the same period last year.
On June 26 specifically, Heathrow said it saw a 50% spike in passengers travelling to Russia compared with last year as thousands of fans headed east to watch the Three Lions bring football home.
The most significant passenger growth in June was on Africa routes, up 11.1%, South Asia 11% and Latin America 9.2%.
John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow chief executive, said: “Heathrow has had a great June. We’re proud to be the UK’s gateway, connecting the world’s best fans to the pitches of the World Cup in Russia and the grass courts of Wimbledon.