London Heathrow Airport (LHR) has reported a record-breaking year, serving 6.5 million passengers last month alone, marking the busiest November in its history.
The airport’s passenger volumes for 2024 have seen a 6.5% increase year-to-date compared to 2023. Growth has been notable in connecting regions like the Middle East (up 6.6%) and Asia-Pacific (up 11.4%), highlighting strong demand in these markets.
Several routes saw significant traffic in 2024, with eight destinations surpassing the one-million-passenger mark as of November. These include Singapore, Mumbai, and Paris. The airport is on track to see 25 routes reach this milestone by year-end, an increase from 24 in 2023.
Cargo volumes have also seen an 11% year-on-year increase, bolstered by improved belly-hold capacity on passenger aircraft and stronger demand. North America and Asia-Pacific were standout regions, with respective growth rates of 15% and 15.8% in year-to-date cargo throughput.
December 2024
December is anticipated to be the busiest month of 2024 at Heathrow. On Christmas Day, the airport expects a 21% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year.
In addition to handling the surge in travel demand, Heathrow aims to enhance the holiday experience for passengers with festive activities across terminals. These include visits with Santa Claus, photo opportunities with Bjorn the polar bear, and seasonal crafts hosted by Christmas Fairies. Decorations across the airport feature 58 Christmas trees, adding a festive touch to the travel experience.
Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said:This year has been all about providing high levels of service for record amounts of passengers at Heathrow, and November was no different. As we embrace the festive season, our focus remains on ensuring smooth, joyful journeys—whether it is helping passengers get away for Christmas to reunite with their loved ones, or making sure cargo reaches its destination on time. Make sure to look out for our exciting seasonal surprises throughout the terminals, as we aim to make this holiday season magical for those travelling through Heathrow.
Market Trends and Challenges
The airport’s latest traffic figures highlight areas of both growth and challenges. While passenger numbers have risen across most regions, Africa saw a decline in traffic, down 1.5% in November and 7.5% year-on-year.
Cargo volumes from the EU also declined, reflecting broader shifts in trade patterns.
Despite these challenges, Heathrow’s performance in 2024 underscores its pivotal role in the UK’s transportation network and its ongoing recovery from the disruptions of recent years.
