Record year at London Heathrow Airport delivers historic passenger numbers and improved service across cargo and flights

Credit: London Heathrow Airport

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) closed out 2025 in record-breaking style, welcoming more than 84 million passengers for the first time and achieving its busiest December ever with almost 7.2 million travellers.

Highlights included the airport’s busiest day on 1 August, when over 270,000 passengers passed through, outperforming 2024 in nine of twelve months. Heathrow maintained its position as Europe’s most connected hub, delivering greater choice for passengers and airlines.

The airport also retained its crown as Europe’s most punctual hub in December, with more than 97 per cent of passengers waiting less than five minutes at security. Baggage performance improved to a 98 per cent load rate, ensuring smoother journeys and putting an extra quarter of a million bags on their intended flights compared to 2024.

Cargo operations were equally strong. In December, Heathrow handled 138,311 tonnes, with the 6th, 14th and 20th setting the year’s top three daily records. Total cargo weight carried increased by 12,600 tonnes compared to 2024, reinforcing Heathrow’s status as the UK’s largest airport by value.

Passengers embraced the festive season, with an item sold at World Duty Free every 5.5 seconds. Heathrow plans to continue growth in 2026, investing more than £1.3 billion to enhance passenger experience and services.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “December’s record-breaking performance shows the strength of demand for Heathrow and the benefit to passengers of the great service our colleagues are providing. Last year, there was no hub airport in Europe that was more punctual than Heathrow and we look forward to building on that success in 2026. With the Government’s support for our expansion plans, and the right regulatory framework from the CAA to secure private investment, we can unlock even more of that connectivity, trade and economic growth for the UK.”

Passenger numbers grew across most regions, with strong demand from Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, while cargo growth continued to support trade and supply chains.

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