UK. London Heathrow Airport served 5.9 million travellers in October, almost double last year’s figure and an encouraging 84% of the number in October 2019. In the year so far, Heathrow has served over 50 million travellers, 74% of 2019 levels.
The company said that the leisure market has been buoyant, with the busiest day since July occurring during October half-term. Business travel is returning too, noted the airport company. It added that “strong recovery in the Middle East and Central Asia is expected to continue into November”.
Crucially, given recent labour challenges, Heathrow said that it was on track to get back to pre-pandemic employment levels before the peak summer holiday period in 2023.
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.”
