London Heathrow Airport crowned Europe’s most punctual hub as passenger numbers, investments, and sustainability progress soar

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has been crowned Europe’s most punctual major airport after delivering the best on-time performance in the third quarter of 2025, with fewer cancellations than any other major European hub. Passenger demand reached record levels, with 23.4 million travellers passing through the airport in Q3, including over 8 million in August alone — the first time any European airport has achieved such a milestone.

The airport’s focus on improving efficiency and passenger experience is paying off, with over 97% of passengers clearing security in under five minutes. Heathrow also retained its title as the most connected airport in the world for the third consecutive year.

Expanding connectivity and investment

In summer 2025, Heathrow launched nine new routes, with two more to follow this winter. Three new airlines — Riyadh Air, Air Peace, and IndiGo — will begin operations, expanding choice for passengers and supporting the UK’s economy. Cargo volumes rose by 2%, and regions across the UK now have direct access to 92% of the global economy.

Heathrow is on course to invest more than £1 billion in 2025 to enhance resilience and passenger experience, with £901 million already spent. Among these projects is an upgrade to Terminal 5’s passenger transit system, which includes six new vehicles and a redesigned track layout to boost capacity and reduce waiting times.

Upgrading the airport for the future

Heathrow’s H8 investment plan aims to modernise the airport between 2027 and 2031, focusing on the improvements passengers most want to see. The plan, currently under review by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), will be delivered with ambitious efficiency targets and an average airport charge lower in real terms than a decade ago.

The airport is also advancing long-term plans for a third runway. Government ministers have indicated that planning permission should be secured by 2029, with the runway operational within the next decade. Heathrow is engaging with the CAA over initial cost proposals and will respond to the regulator’s autumn consultation on changes to the framework that could help deliver the project on time.

Progressing sustainability goals

In the third quarter, Heathrow made progress toward its Net Zero goals. A new pre-conditioned air system was activated at 11 stands in Terminal 5C, improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions. The airport also supported the UK Parliament’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Bill, aimed at boosting domestic SAF production.

Heathrow upgraded its Carbon Management Standard to improve emissions tracking across capital projects and suppliers. However, its 2024 report showed supply chain emissions above the 2019 baseline. To address this, Heathrow commissioned a major study to identify causes and corrective actions.

Financial resilience

Heathrow delivered solid financial results in the first nine months of 2025, with total revenue up 2.0% to £2.7 billion. Growth was driven by strong long-haul performance, increased use of premium services, and robust property income, offsetting challenges such as the loss of VAT-free shopping.

Adjusted operating costs rose 5.0% to £1.17 billion, mainly due to higher security compliance, contractual and maintenance costs. Adjusted EBITDA remained broadly stable at £1.53 billion, while adjusted profit before tax fell to £217 million from £350 million last year.

Heathrow CFO Sally Ding said:

“This is a great time for Heathrow customers – with more people than ever flying from the airport, we are proud to be Europe’s most punctual hub and the best-connected airport in the world. We already invest over £1bn every year to improve the airport and we have exciting plans to increase that investment to deliver the modern, upgraded facilities customers want. We are also working to unlock a third runway which can be operational within a decade, giving customers more value and choice and securing economic growth across the whole country for decades to come. Ministers now need to move forward to unlock this 100% privately financed investment and get Britain growing.”

Heathrow expects overall passenger demand in 2025 to exceed 2024 levels, maintaining a stable financial outlook for the remainder of the year.

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