London Heathrow Airport has reported a 0.8% drop in passenger traffic in May, despite welcoming more than 6.2 million passengers.
The figures were reduced due to the earlier May bank holiday and later half term.However, overall passenger growth at the airport remained 1% higher than 2015, due to the deployment of larger aircraft.Within emerging markets, China’s passenger numbers increased by 7.5%, Mexico’s rose by 3.7%, and East Asia’s increased by 2.5%.
This resulted partially from British Airways’ (BA) new services to Kuala Lumpur and from Garuda Indonesia, following its shift from Gatwick Airport in the UK.
Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “Over the last 70 years Heathrow, Britain’s biggest port, has played a pivotal role in helping Britain thrive as an island trading nation.
“Expanding Heathrow will mean 40 new direct connections across the globe, exporting more goods to more markets for the next 70 years and beyond.“Heathrow is the right choice to secure a stronger economic future for all of the UK.”
“Expanding Heathrow will mean 40 new direct connections across the globe, exporting more goods to more markets for the next 70 years and beyond.”
The airport witnessed a boost in cargo movements, with an overall rise of 1.5% in May.During the period, freight movements rose by 9.6% in Europe and 8.7% in East Asia, where the growth was primarily driven by Air China (up 40%), Japan Airline (JAL) (up 60%) and Vietnam (up 76%).
Promoting the airport’s expansion plans, Holland-Kaye also announced five new pledges made to the airport’s local residents, which included the creation of 40,000 new jobs and training opportunities.He also promised that Heathrow will handle traffic congestion by investing in local transport projects, work in collaboration with local businesses, and develop a lasting legacy for future generations.