Heathrow reports that it served 5.9 million passengers in October, 84% of 2019 levels. Year to date the UK airport has served 50 million passengers, 74% of 2019 levels. The airport reports that the leisure market has been buoyant thanks to the half term getaway, with the airport reporting its busiest day since July. Heathrow also noted the gradual return of business travellers. Strong recovery in the Middle East and Central Asia seen in October is expected to continue into November, said Heathrow.
Passenger service levels have been steadily improving, says Heathrow, which is planning investments of over £4bn in the next few years to further improve the airport journey, including new security lanes which will allow passengers to leave laptops and liquids in their bags, and a new baggage system for Terminal 2, subject to a regulatory settlement that supports investment.
Heathrow states that it has been working with airlines and their ground handlers to prepare for the Christmas peak, and adds that it has a good plan, “which will not require any capacity cap”. But, there is potential strike action at a number of organisations, including a national Border Force strike to contend with over the holiday period. Heathrow stresses that it is “supporting organisations on contingency plans to minimise any impact, and encourage all parties to put the interests of passengers first”.
Heathrow has welcomed new airlines such as Loganair and India’s Vistara. The airport also hinted that it was proposing changes to landing charges for 2023 “which will support more connections to the UK’s regions and nations”.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “We have come so far since Omicron grounded Christmas travel plans last year. Heathrow, our airline partners and their handlers are all working together to make sure everyone can be reunited with their loved ones this Christmas.”