Heathrow Airport reported 6.1 million passengers travelled through the airport during November, 2023, marking a 10% increase from a year before. It also reported a 28% increase in passengers travelling to Asia Pacific. EU and North American passengers were both up by 7.7%.
The Thanksgiving and Diwali holidays were highlighted as a large drive for the boost in passengers. Over 50,000 passengers flew across the Atlantic from Heathrow on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Heathrow also noted its 15 daily flights to India had proved popular prior to the Diwali holiday.
“For so many, holidays and cultural festivities are all about spending quality time with friends and family,” said Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye. “Last month saw passengers travelling to celebrate Thanksgiving and Diwali with their loved ones and we are making final preparations for the Christmas getaway.”
Heathrow also forecast “strong” December passenger numbers with them expected to peak in the week before Christmas Day.