Record year for Heathrow

Image courtesy Heathrow

Highlights of the year included Heathrow’s busiest day ever on 1st August, when passenger numbers surpassed 270,000, outperforming 2024 in nine of 12 months and maintaining our position as the world’s most connected hub airport, delivering more choice for our passengers. 

Heathrow retained its position as Europe’s most punctual hub airport in December, with over 97% of passengers waiting less than five minutes for security. Baggage performance also improved to over 98% load rate in 2025, putting an extra quarter of a million bags on their intended flights compared to 2024. 

In December, Heathrow moved 138k tonnes of cargo, with the sixth, 14th and 20th setting 2025’s top three records for cargo handling. From goods to mail, the year-on-year weight carried increased by 12,600 tonnes in 2025.  

Heathrow is preparing for another record-breaking year in 2026 and plans to invest over £1.3 billion during the year in a further boost to customers and service.   

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye said: “December’s record-breaking performance shows the strength of demand for Heathrow and the benefit to passengers of the great service our colleagues are providing. 

"Last year, there was no hub airport in Europe that was more punctual than Heathrow and we look forward to building on that success in 2026. With the Government’s support for our expansion plans and the right regulatory framework from the CAA to secure private investment, we can unlock even more of that connectivity, trade and economic growth for the UK.”