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UK. Heathrow Airport recorded a +2.5% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers to 6.1 million for a record March.
The growth was driven by “larger, quieter, fuller” aircraft, according to the airport. It pointed to fast-growing emerging markets with China up +12%, Mexico +6%, India +4% and the Middle East +9% “as carriers continued to benefit from new aircraft including A380s”.
East Asia was also a strong performer, with passenger volume up +6% as new routes were launched and frequencies increased. In the Southeast Asia market, Garuda Indonesia began the UK’s first direct services to Jakarta in March.
“It’s been a record March for Heathrow and I’m delighted that we’ve added the UK’s first direct connection to Indonesia. As Southeast Asia’s largest economy, Garuda Indonesia’s new route will be a significant boon for British SMEs looking for new export opportunities,” commented Heathrow Airport CEO John Holland-Kaye.
“But it isn’t just Indonesia waiting to access the UK’s only hub – there is a queue of over 30 airlines waiting for slots from Heathrow. With expansion, we can supercharge British trade by opening up 40 new long haul trading links with the fastest growing markets in the world.”
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