78 million passengers travelled through Heathrow in record breaking year 2017

A record breaking 78 million passengers travelled through the airport in 2017, up 3.1% on last year with passenger volumes driven by larger and fuller aircraft

Heathrow became one of the fastest growing major European hubs for cargo, with 1.7 million metric tonnes travelling through the airport – equivalent to the weight of 134,000 London buses or 136 London Shards. Across the year, the key markets for cargo were the US, East Asia, and Europe

The UK’s only hub airport delivered outstanding customer service in 2017, and was named both ‘Best Airport in Western Europe’ for the third year running and ‘Best Airport for Shopping’ for the eight year running in the Skytrax World Airport Awards

Heathrow’s annual noise and contour report revealed that the airport’s noise footprint was at its smallest recorded level in 11 years with 15% fewer households affected by noise, as a result of working with airlines to encourage the use of quieter aircraft. Night time jet movements also decreased by a third (32%) in 2017

Key milestones were also achieved in the delivery of Heathrow’s expansion, with the airport launching its first public planning consultation in coming days

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said:

“Heathrow had its best year ever in 2017 helping to strengthen the British economy as the country seeks to redefine its role in the world. Our colleagues welcomed 78 million passengers and supported the delivery of record volumes of British trade to markets around the world. We’re looking forward to continuing to deliver for Britain in 2018 as we progress our expansion plans.”