Heathrow had a record 73.4 million passengers pass through the airport in 2014, an increase of 1.4 per cent from the previous year, according to its monthly and annual traffic figures.
Heathrow said fast-growing emerging markets continue to be a driver of traffic growth at Heathrow, with passenger volumes up 6.3 per cent to Latin America, 5.2 per cent to East Asia and 3.5 per cent to the Middle East and Central Asia.
Heathrow saw its busiest ever December with 5.93 million passengers choosing to travel through the airport, an increase of 2.4 per cent from the same period in 2013.
The airport also announced a 4.7 per cent rise in transfer traffic on long-haul routes.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “Vietnam Airlines’ announcement that it is moving its operation from Gatwick to Heathrow is good news for Britain as it secures a direct flight to an important growth economy, with more frequent flights and cargo capacity.
“It also underlines that airlines can only make flights to many long haul destinations viable from a hub airport like Heathrow.”
Holland-Kaye added: “Only by expanding Heathrow can we add direct flights to the world's growing cities increase our exports and connect all of the UK to global growth. Expanding Heathrow will help Britain win the race for growth."
The Airports Commission’s long-awaited decision on which airport to increase capacity at is expected in May.