Heathrow airport has posted a steady increase in passenger traffic for the six months ending June 30, but warned expansion was needed if it was going to achieve significant growth and help boost the UK economy.
Around 35 million passengers travelled through Heathrow for the first six months of the year, an increase of 1.9 per cent from 2013, and operating profits grew to £380 million from £373 million.
Heathrow’s positive first six months was helped by the successful opening of Heathrow Terminal 2: The Queen’s Terminal in June.
Heathrow’s CEO John Holland-Kaye, said: “Heathrow has performed well over the last six months, with two consecutive quarters of record passenger satisfaction scores reflecting steady operational improvement.
“Terminal 2 successfully opened on time and on budget, marking the next step in the transformation of passenger service at the airport.
“My vision is to build on that record of continuous improvement, driving Heathrow to win the case for expansion and become one of the best airports in the world – an ambition which will give the UK a great springboard to continue to compete successfully in the global economy.”
The Davies Commission will put forward its proposal to the government on which airport should be awarded a third runway. The two main competitors are Heathrow and Gatwick.