Heathrow Airport Welcomes 39.8 Million Passengers in H1-2024

London’s Heathrow Airport has welcomed 39.8 million passengers in the first six months of an exceptional start for 2024. In fact, June 30 was its busiest day ever, with over 268,000 passengers travelling on over 1,300 flights.

The spurt in number of passengers is attributed to various load factors and larger aircraft driving growth, with key destinations in Asia and the Middle East experiencing more than doubled demand in recent years.

Record-breaking number of passengers choosing Heathrow –Heathrow is prepared for a super summer getaway – The bumper summer is being supported by a record number of 90,000 Team Heathrow colleagues.

“This is driving strong operational performance, with departures punctuality improving year on year to 72.8% in the first 6 months of 2024 and over 95% passengers passing through security in less than 5 minutes,” Heathrow airport said on Wednesday.

While Heathrow continues to attract new routes and record passenger numbers, competitive drags hang over the airport with bureaucratic tax and border policies pushing passengers to rival European hubs.

“We encourage the new Government to back aviation by taking a coordinated approach to policy making that supports the sector’s long-term competitiveness. Making Heathrow the European hub airport of choice to travel, shop and transfer through is vital to deliver growth for the whole of the UK economy,” the airport said.

Financial Performance

Despite record passenger numbers, aeronautical revenue is down by almost 8% as a result of the CAA’s tight H7 settlement. The airport continues to make progress on closing a $515.76 million shortfall from the settlement, and initiatives aimed at streamlining operations and driving efficiencies without impacting passenger experience or safety have enabled us to turn a $229.51 million adjusted profit before tax in H1 of 2024.

Heathrow’s 6 strategy beacons will enable the airport to become an extraordinary airport, fit for the future – The refreshed business strategy is backed by 6 beacons ranging from its shorter-term goals of creating a winning team and being fast and focused to our aims of a digital future and creating capacity and ultimately bringing the most value for customers.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said that serving record-breaking passenger numbers while continuing to deliver excellent customer service is no easy feat and is testament to the dedication of hardworking colleagues.

In addition to the nearly 40 million passengers that flew through Heathrow during the first 6 months, so did 765,000 tonnes of cargo, supporting world leading British industries to access global export markets.

“We are working hard to deliver economic benefits for all of the UK, but this needs to be supported by joined up policy making that prioritises global competitiveness and sustainable growth. We are encouraged by the new Government’s recognition of Heathrow’s role in powering growth across the country, and look forward to working with Ministers to ensure we are firing on all cylinders and retain our global standing,” Woldbye added.