London Heathrow Airport Reports Record Passenger Numbers in 2024
The year 2024 marked a milestone in Heathrow’s history, solidifying its position as one of the best-connected airports in the world and reaffirming its role as the UK’s primary gateway. With 83.9 million passengers transported, Heathrow reached a record figure, representing a 6% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by higher demand for flights, optimized customer service, and the use of higher-capacity aircraft.
Expansion and Service Improvements
Heathrow’s commitment to service excellence has been key to maintaining its leadership position. During 2024, the airport achieved significant improvements in flight punctuality, stable security wait times, and better baggage handling performance. These initiatives have led to the airport being recognized by Condé Nast and Travel Weekly as the best in the UK, also standing out for its commercial and VIP services.
→ Heathrow Airport Breaks Records in January: Passenger and Cargo Growth
Economic and Financial Impact
Despite the record number of passengers, Heathrow experienced a 4% drop in revenue, settling at £3.559 billion due to a reduction in airport fees imposed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Adjusted EBITDA was also affected, falling by 8.7% to £2.035 billion. However, net profit before tax grew by 30.8%, reaching £917 million. In this context, the airport maintains a strong financial position with £3.4 billion in liquidity and has announced a £250 million dividend payment to its shareholders for the first time in five years.
Advances in Sustainability and Sustainable Fuel
Heathrow has reinforced its commitment to sustainability through its “Connecting People and Planet” strategy. During 2024, the airport made significant progress, such as the record use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), positioning itself as a leader in its implementation in the UK. In 2025, it will increase its SAF incentive by 3%, exceeding the national mandate by 1%. Additionally, it became the first airport in the world to adopt the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), committing to annually disclose its environmental impacts starting in 2025.
Expansion and Future Plans
With the aim of strengthening its role in the UK’s economic growth, Heathrow is preparing for a decade of major investments. Plans include the modernization of existing infrastructure and the expansion of operational capacity, with projects aimed at improving the passenger experience, optimizing punctuality, and expanding sustainable local transport. One of the most ambitious projects is the construction of a third runway, with the proposal to be presented to the government in the summer of 2025. The approval of this initiative will depend on changes in airspace regulation, planning reforms, and adjustments to the regulatory model.
Heathrow’s CEO, Thomas Woldbye, highlighted that the airport’s performance in 2024 reaffirms its role as a driver of British economic growth. With investments of over £1 billion in operational improvements and a 10% increase in cargo volume boosting trade, Heathrow is projected as a world-class aviation hub.
“Securing future economic growth means investing in the infrastructure that drives it. Over the next decade, we will make the largest private investment in the UK’s transport system to modernize Heathrow and unlock new capabilities. This will strengthen the economy, improve the customer experience, and consolidate the UK’s position as a global leader in aviation,” stated Woldbye.
With record figures, a defined growth strategy, and a firm commitment to sustainability, Heathrow is poised to maintain its leadership in the global aviation industry and continue to be the UK’s primary connection hub.
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