The airport said the resumption of transatlantic travel and easing of international travel restrictions had boosted confidence in a more imminent recovery of the UK’s aviation sector, and of a resurgence in demand ahead of summer 2022.

Security and engineering are two key fields in which Heathrow is looking to recruit, along with a variety of other frontline roles – the first it has offered since the start of the pandemic.

"The new recruits will be responsible for ensuring the UK’s only hub airport remains secure and operating smoothly as it recovers from 20 months of suppressed passenger demand," said Heathrow.

It comes after the airport reported its sixth consecutive month of passenger growth on Thursday (11 November), although passenger numbers remain 56% down on pre-pandemic levels.

"The move to end the US travel ban has revived the airport, as the market accounts for 20% of Heathrow’s passenger traffic and 31% of the port’s cargo tonnage," said Heathrow.

"The airport is kicking off this recruitment drive now to ensure that it is well equipped to handle a predicted rise in passenger numbers ahead of next summer."

Heathrow said bolstering its security and engineering ranks would be vital to providing high levels of passenger service as travel rebounds, and ensuring the smooth operation of the airport in its role as an importance piece of the UK’s national infrastructure.

New recruits will undergo extensive training to achieve the necessary security accreditations, with successful candidates set to benefit from "competitive salaries" and an "attractive benefits package".

The airport also reiterated its call for ministers to review testing rules for fully vaccinated passengers and the need for passenger locator forms to bring the UK in line with Europe.

"The easing of travel restrictions has progressed significantly, in line with the success of the vaccine roll out, but there is still more to do to ensure a return to frictionless travel," said Heathrow.

"Doing this, will supercharge the sector’s recovery, which will support the country’s economic bounce back, whilst keeping hopes of a Global Britain alive."

Paula Stannett, Heathrow’s chief people officer, added: “This is an incredible time to start a career in aviation and to be at the forefront of a world-class organisation determined to build back better as we recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

"Many of Heathrow’s security officers have gone on to have long and fulfilling careers in various parts of our airport and the wider aviation sector, so this really is a rewarding opportunity at a pivotal time for our industry.

"We look forward to welcoming our new joiners before the summer, at the beginning of what we are sure will be an enriching time at the UK’s only hub airport."