Heathrow enjoys record year
Heathrow recorded the busiest December ever this Christmas marking the end of the busiest year for the airport.
5.6 million passengers passed through Heathrow in December, a record for the month and up 2.0% on December 2011.
Almost 70 million passengers, the highest ever for a calendar year at Heathrow, used the airport in 2012 – an increase of 0.9% compared to 2011.
Numbers were increased by more flights from Brazil and recovery in the Middle East and Asia.
African and Indian traffic was down 5.7% and 3.4% respectively, due to airlines reducing or ceasing services.
Overall European traffic increased by 0.5% although Greece was down by 7.3% followed by Italy down 6.8%.
Traffic in 2012 was characterised by higher load factors – showing flights at 75.6% capacity, versus 75.2% in 2011.
Cargo was down 1.3% for the year as a whole.
Colin Matthews, chief executive for Heathrow, said: "The figures for 2012 show Heathrow is delivering higher passenger numbers despite a tough economic climate.
"Over the next twelve months we will continue to improve the passenger experience and focus on our investment programme, as we move towards completion of the new Terminal 2."
Diane
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