As demand for capacity at the UK’s primary aviation hub continues, London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has stated that it remains focused on minimising its environmental impact.
The airport’s 2024 Sustainability Report highlights a 7.5% reduction in carbon emissions from flights and a 15% reduction in ground-based emissions since 2019.
These reductions have been achieved while managing record passenger numbers, keeping the airport on track to meet its 2030 environmental targets.
Heathrow Airport has reported continued passenger growth, with over 5.7 million travellers passing through in February. This includes a 7% increase in traffic to the United States and Canada. The month also marked the twelfth consecutive period where daily passenger numbers exceeded 200,000. When adjusted for leap years, it was Heathrow’s busiest February on record.
Demand remained strong across multiple travel sectors. POpular destinations for leisure travellers included the Caribbean, Italy, and Greece. Meanwhile, business routes to hubs such as Delhi, Dubai, Mumbai, and Riyadh also maintained high occupancy rates, with minimal empty seats on flights.
Alongside this growth, Heathrow continues to increase the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming to reach 3% SAF usage this year, exceeding the government’s target by one percentage point.
Furthermore, the area surrounding Heathrow exposed to higher levels of aircraft noise (55db Lden²) has decreased by 18% compared to 2019. The number of late-running flights also fell in 2024, despite record passenger numbers.
Crucially, Heathrow’s air quality monitors continue to show compliance with UK pollution limits.
The airport consequently argues that its progress supports the case for its proposed expansion, which includes a controversial third runway.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:Even during a traditionally quiet month for aviation in February, we saw sustained and growing demand to fly and export through Heathrow. As the UK’s gateway to growth, we must meet this increase in demand and do it without compromising our strategy to decarbonise and reduce noise impacts. While we welcome the progress that’s been achieved alongside our partners, there’s no complacency – reaching net zero as we grow remains vital.
Following the airport’s commitment to invest in future expansion, initial proposals are being prepared for government review in the summer. The expansion, which will be privately funded, is aimed at strengthening Heathrow’s position as the UK’s central aviation hub while maintaining a focus on sustainability.
